A fresh political stir unfolded in Chennai’s Kolathur constituency after more than 500 DMK functionaries, led by local youth wing functionary Dileep, joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the presence of party district secretary MTC Thaniga. During the event, the defectors accused the DMK of internal issues and claimed that many more cadres were preparing to leave the ruling party in the coming days.
Speaking at the gathering, Dileep said he had worked “sincerely and with commitment” in the DMK but had become disillusioned with “local politics.” He clarified that he had no grievance against the party leadership but decided to join TVK under the leadership of actor-turned-politician Vijay. He claimed that he could bring in even more supporters from Kolathur in the future and promised to work “100 percent” for TVK.
The speakers at the event repeatedly asserted that the current influx was only the “beginning,” claiming that more DMK members were continuing to contact them expressing interest in joining TVK. They also alleged that future induction programmes would be held on a much larger scale in the coming weeks.
Responding to criticism and videos circulating online showing emotional reactions from some cadres in Kolathur, the speakers dismissed the backlash and said political shifts were inevitable. One of the speakers remarked that “if good is done, good will happen,” comparing politics to sowing seeds in farming, and argued that the public would ultimately judge political parties based on their actions.
The event also featured praise for TVK leader Vijay, with speakers highlighting his statements against extravagance in political functions and public inconvenience. They said the meeting had been organised inside a hall in line with party instructions to avoid causing traffic disruptions on roads.
During the programme, the speakers also attacked remarks allegedly made by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding “horse-trading” fears in politics. Rejecting the allegation, one speaker questioned why a party with a clear majority would fear defections, and claimed that several alliance parties, including Left parties and the Indian Union Muslim League, were already backing the ruling alliance. The speaker further alleged that accusations of horse-trading were baseless attempts to tarnish TVK’s growth.
The speakers further described both the DMK and AIADMK as “corrupt parties” and claimed that TVK was increasingly attracting younger voters and cadres. They argued that youth participation in the party would continue to grow in the coming years and asserted that as long as TVK chief Vijay remained in politics, “he will become Chief Minister.”
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