Vijayabhaskar Switches Parties; AIADMK Loses Sixth MLA to Vijay’s TVK
Indiadailyupdate.com – Political realignments continue to shake the AIADMK as M.R. Vijayabhaskar, representing Karur in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, has formally left the party. His departure marks the sixth instance of an AIADMK member resigning from the legislative council, signaling a growing shift in the party’s leadership dynamics. Vijayabhaskar is now set to join Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a move that has intensified speculation about the AIADMK’s internal struggles.
Vijayabhaskar, previously serving as the state’s Transport Minister, submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar. This action follows a series of high-profile exits from the AIADMK, including Maragatham Kumaravel (Maduranthakam), S. Jayakumar (Perundurai), P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), Esakki Subbiah (Ambasamudram), and the former Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai). These resignations have accelerated the party’s decline, particularly in its traditional strongholds.
Strategic Implications of the Resignation
The AIADMK’s recent losses have created a pivotal moment for the party, as it contends with a deepening crisis in its governing structure. This resignation, occurring just months into the new legislative term, has broader consequences beyond Karur. It undermines the party’s role as a key opposition force and highlights vulnerabilities in its central districts.
Under the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the AIADMK has seen a rapid decline in its parliamentary presence. Senior leaders are increasingly signaling distrust in the party’s current direction, contributing to a cascade of departures. Once a dominant political entity in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK now faces significant challenges in maintaining its influence.
Survival Tactics in the Political Arena
Analysts suggest Vijayabhaskar’s exit may reflect a calculated strategy rather than a spontaneous decision. Four of the resigning MLAs were already engaged in disqualification proceedings, and their departure could be seen as a preemptive move to avoid removal while positioning themselves for future opportunities. The Speaker, J.C.D. Prabhakar, confirmed the validity of Vijayabhaskar’s resignation, citing compliance with procedural rules.
“Under Rule 21 of the Legislative Assembly’s procedures, M.R. Vijayabhaskar personally handed over his resignation letter. The submission meets all requirements, and I have accepted it,” Prabhakar stated.
Karur, a historically significant constituency, had been a stronghold for the AIADMK. Vijayabhaskar’s exit removes a seasoned minister from the opposition ranks, leaving a notable gap in the party’s central leadership. His return to the TVK adds weight to the party’s efforts to reassert itself in the region.
Meanwhile, the TVK’s Karur district secretary, Mathialagan, who was also implicated in the Karur stampede case, had previously lost the seat to Vijayabhaskar. Sources indicate that Vijayabhaskar was approached directly by TVK leaders, who reportedly sought his support during the floor test. This personal outreach appears to have influenced his decision to switch allegiance.
A New Chapter for Tamil Politics
The move underscores a fundamental reshaping of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Vijayabhaskar’s transition from AIADMK to TVK is not merely a career shift but a strategic realignment that could alter the balance of power. His ability to reclaim Karur in a tight 2026 contest, despite losing it to Senthil Balaji of the DMK in 2021, highlights his enduring relevance in the region.
“He only resigned after TVK leadership personally engaged with him. The party has also reached out to at least a dozen MLAs who backed Vijay during the assembly’s floor test,” a senior AIADMK official revealed. This suggests a coordinated effort by TVK to consolidate support, even as the AIADMK grapples with its own internal fractures.
