In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, former AIADMK legislator R Chinnasamy formally joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday. The induction ceremony took place at the party's headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai, in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin.
From Expulsion to New Alliance
R Chinnasamy, a two-time MLA from the Singanallur constituency in Coimbatore, had been a notable figure within the AIADMK. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2006 and again in 2011. However, his journey in the AIADMK came to an abrupt halt in 2018 when he was expelled from the party. The action was taken against him on allegations of financial irregularities during his tenure as the secretary of the Anna Trade Union, which is the labour wing of the AIADMK.
Addressing the media after his meeting with CM Stalin, Chinnasamy strongly refuted the charges that led to his expulsion. "Fake corruption charges were levelled against me, but I fought them successfully," he stated. Expressing his loyalty to his new political home, he added, "I will work for the victory of our chief minister."
Key Figures Facilitate the Move
The switch was not an isolated event. Chinnasamy was accompanied by former minister V Senthil Balaji, who is understood to have played a pivotal role in facilitating his entry into the DMK. Balaji's presence underscored the strategic negotiations behind such political crossings.
This event is part of a broader trend observed in recent months, where several senior leaders from the AIADMK have defected to the DMK. The list of recent joiners includes:
- Former AIADMP MP V Maithreyan
- Former minister A Anwhar Raajhaa
- Former MLA P H Manoj Pandian
Implications for Tamil Nadu's Political Landscape
The steady stream of defections from the principal opposition party to the ruling front is likely to have ramifications for the political dynamics in the state. It potentially strengthens the DMK's organizational reach, especially in key regions, while posing a challenge for the AIADMK to consolidate its cadre and leadership ahead of future electoral battles. The induction of experienced leaders like Chinnasamy, who has a direct connect with the electorate in Coimbatore, is seen as a move to bolster the DMK's presence in western Tamil Nadu.
The event at Anna Arivalayam marks another chapter in the fluid and competitive politics of Tamil Nadu, where allegiances can shift, reshaping the fortunes of major parties.
