The Times of India
Elections 2026Tamil Nadu / The Times of India
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami asserted the ruling government's survival is precarious, relying on borrowed support. He questioned the state's financial capacity to fund populist schemes, citing unfulfilled promises and a massive debt burden.
Over 300 AIADMK members, including former ministers and MLAs, joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), citing inability to serve the public under AIADMK leadership. Senior leaders expressed belief in Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's ideals, mirroring MGR and Jayalalithaa, and pledged wholehearted support for TVK's future endeavors.
Annamalai emphasised that the massive surge in registrations reflects a widespread public yearning for an alternative political paradigm in Tamil Nadu. He explicitly framed the launch not as an individual political ambition, but as a decentralised collective movement.
AIADMK faces continued exodus as former ministers Udumalai K Radhakrishnan, Kadambur C Raju, and M C Sampath defect to the ruling TVK. This move, along with their supporters, further weakens the AIADMK's organizational strength in key regions. More opposition leaders are anticipated to join TVK soon.
K. Annamalai's departure from the BJP and the launch of a new political movement are poised to significantly impact the saffron party in Tamil Nadu, with potential repercussions for other major parties. The move has already seen initial resignations from the BJP, with supporters citing Annamalai's unique vision.
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Tamil Nadu BJP sees a wave of resignations following K Annamalai's exit. State secretary Sumathi Venkatesh has also stepped down, citing a heavy heart. This follows former state president Annamalai's announcement of a new political movement focused on 'common man politics'. Several other functionaries have also left to support Annamalai's venture.
K Annamalai has launched a new political movement called We The Leader. He resigned from the BJP after days of speculation. Hundreds of supporters welcomed him at Chennai airport. Annamalai aims to promote an alternative political culture in Tamil Nadu. He believes people are seeking change from established parties. His departure is a significant moment for state politics.
Following K. Annamalai's resignation from the BJP and announcement of a new political movement, significant fallout has hit the Tamil Nadu unit. State vice president Karu Nagarajan and 15 other officials, including state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh, have also quit. Annamalai cited differing visions and a desire for a broader platform, while the state BJP president downplayed the impact.
The development came to light before the Madras high court on Friday, where the first division bench comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan is hearing a contempt case against DVAC for not registering a case.
As Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay presided over his inaugural cabinet session, the atmosphere buzzed with purpose as members delved into a comprehensive review of 436 projects, many rooted in the electorate's hopes. Central to the talks was the vision of a Tamil Nadu free from corruption and drugs, alongside a focus on empowering youth and women.

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