NEW DELHI: Former AIADMK minister P Benjamin has joined the DMK along with his supporters, marking a significant political shift that adds to the ongoing exodus of leaders from the opposition party in Tamil Nadu.
Joining Ceremony at Party Headquarters
Benjamin joined the ruling DMK in the presence of party president and Chief Minister MK Stalin at the party headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai on Wednesday. He was accompanied by several AIADMK office-bearers, including Tiruvallur Central Party District Women's Wing secretary Yamini Ilayaraja, district students' wing secretary Dinesh, and other functionaries who also switched sides.
Senior DMK Leaders Present
Senior DMK leaders TR Baalu, A Raja, and RS Bharathi were present at the event, underscoring the importance of the defection for the ruling party.
Benjamin's Political Background
Benjamin, a former deputy mayor of the Chennai Corporation, served as a minister in the AIADMK governments led by J Jayalalithaa and later Edappadi K Palaniswami. His departure comes amid a series of defections from the party in recent months, reflecting internal challenges within the AIADMK.
Wider Pattern of Defections
The AIADMK leadership has been dealing with internal challenges, including reported dissent among some MLAs in recent political developments, further weakening the party's organisational strength. Benjamin's exit follows a wider pattern of defections, with several former AIADMK ministers, including MC Sampath, NR Sivapathi, Kadambur C Raju, and Udumalai K Radhakrishnan, recently joining the ruling TVK. Last month, former AIADMK MLA VNP Venkatraman also joined the DMK in Chennai.
This trend highlights the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as the DMK consolidates its position ahead of future elections.
