In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, Rajya Sabha MP R Dharmar, previously aligned with former AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam, officially switched his allegiance to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday. The move marks a notable shift in the party's internal dynamics, as Dharmar, accompanied by his supporters, visited the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai to pledge his loyalty to Palaniswami.
Timing and Context of the Switch
This political realignment occurred just one day after Palaniswami and AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran shared a stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch their campaign for the upcoming elections. The timing suggests a strategic consolidation of forces ahead of the polls, with Dharmar's defection adding momentum to Palaniswami's camp.
Impact on Panneerselvam's Faction
Alongside Dharmar, numerous supporters of Panneerselvam from the Ramanathapuram region have also returned to the Palaniswami fold. This exodus severely weakens Panneerselvam's faction, leaving him with only one notable supporter in the state assembly: Usilampatti MLA G Ayyappan. The move underscores the dwindling influence of Panneerselvam within the AIADMK ranks.
Dharmar's Political Journey
R Dharmar was appointed as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022, prior to the split within the AIADMK. Following Panneerselvam's decision to part ways with Palaniswami, Dharmar initially sided with Panneerselvam. However, like other key leaders from that side—such as former minister R Vaithilingam and former MLA Paul Manoj Pandian—Dharmar has now chosen to align with the faction that originally facilitated his parliamentary position.
This strategic shift highlights the ongoing realignments in Tamil Nadu politics, as leaders gravitate towards the more dominant camp led by Edappadi Palaniswami, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of crucial electoral battles.
