In another significant political setback for All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, three of its MLAs resigned from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday before formally joining the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government headed by Chief Minister Vijay.
The three legislators — Maragatham Kumaravel, Jayakumar, and Sathyabama — submitted their resignations to Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, who later accepted their resignations.
The resignations mark a fresh blow for the AIADMK, which has been facing internal divisions and political instability following its disappointing performance in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The latest development comes just two weeks after around 30 AIADMK MLAs, reportedly led by senior party leader CV Shanmugam, extended support to Vijay’s TVK-led government.
The three MLAs who resigned on Monday were part of that rebel faction within the AIADMK.
Maragatham Kumaravel had been elected from the Maduranthakam constituency, while Sathyabama represented Dharapuram and Jayakumar represented Perundurai.
Both Dharapuram and Perundurai are located in the politically crucial Kongu belt of western Tamil Nadu, traditionally considered a stronghold of the AIADMK, while Maduranthakam lies near Chennai.
Soon after resigning from the Assembly, the three legislators reportedly met Aadhav Arjuna at his chamber, further signalling their formal alignment with the ruling dispensation.
The MLAs were among the larger group of AIADMK rebels who had earlier switched loyalties and voted in support of the TVK government during the May 13 floor test, openly defying the party whip issued by the AIADMK leadership.
However, political equations within the rebel faction have also shifted in recent days.
Five rebel MLAs who had initially backed Vijay’s government have since returned to the camp led by AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Among those who returned was SM Sukumar from Arcot.
With the resignation of the three MLAs and the return of five legislators to Palaniswami’s camp, the strength of the rebel faction has now reportedly reduced from 25 MLAs to 17.
The AIADMK had won 47 seats in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats but fell short of securing a majority on its own.
The TVK later formed the government with support from parties including the Indian National Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and Left parties.
Subsequently, a section of rebel AIADMK MLAs also extended support to the Vijay-led government, strengthening its position in the Assembly.
However, signs of confusion and differing political strategies remain visible within the rebel camp itself.
Senior AIADMK leader SP Velumani recently denied any intention to split the party and reiterated that Edappadi Palaniswami continued to remain their leader.
Velumani also stated that the party should work toward restoring the “Amma rule” associated with former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
He further clarified that neither he nor CV Shanmugam had sought ministerial positions in the new government.
Notably, the TVK government did not offer Cabinet berths to any of the rebel AIADMK legislators during Vijay’s recent expansion of the ministry.
The continuing defections, resignations,n s and shifting loyalties have added to political uncertainty within the AIADMK while simultaneously strengthening the influence of the ruling TVK government in Tamil Nadu politics.
