Three AIADMK members of the legislative assembly resigned from their party on May 25 to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) [1].

These defections signal a significant shift in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. By aligning with the TVK, the rebel legislators are strengthening the position of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay while further destabilizing the AIADMK's remaining influence in the assembly.

The resignations include members from factions led by senior leaders C. V. Shanmugam and S. P. Velumani [1]. This internal fracture follows the AIADMK's defeat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections [2]. The crisis within the party has intensified as various factions seek to align themselves with the newly formed TVK government to maintain political relevance.

Earlier this month, on May 12, 2026, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay met with the rebel leaders [3]. This meeting occurred ahead of a scheduled floor test, suggesting a coordinated effort to secure support for the current administration. The move by the Shanmugam faction to formally announce support for the TVK marks a critical turning point in the party's struggle for leadership.

While the party faces these exits, reports indicate that 30 AIADMK MLAs continue to support the party [4]. However, the defection row continues to explode as the party grapples with the loss of key members and the escalation of internal feuds [2]. The shift of lawmakers toward the TVK underscores the volatility of the state's political alliances in the wake of the recent election cycle.

“Three AIADMK members of the legislative assembly resigned from their party on May 25 to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.”

The migration of AIADMK legislators to the TVK reflects a broader trend of political realignment in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 elections. As the AIADMK struggles with internal leadership disputes and the fallout of its electoral loss, the TVK is consolidating power by absorbing established political figures. This shift likely reduces the AIADMK's ability to function as an effective opposition and increases the stability of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's government ahead of critical legislative tests.