In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, three Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the main opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have resigned from both their party membership and Assembly seats, triggering a major political realignment in the state.
The MLAs—Maragatham, Sathyabhama, and Jayakumar—submitted their resignation letters directly to the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Their move comes in the wake of their reported support to the government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay during a crucial floor test in the Assembly, which has now become a major talking point in state politics.
Following their resignations, the three former legislators are reported to have met Adav Arjun, a senior minister in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. Political sources indicate that they are likely to formally join the TVK in the coming days, with preparations already underway for their induction into the party.
Analysts suggest that the resignations appear to be a strategic move aimed at avoiding disqualification under anti-defection provisions, after the MLAs defied the AIADMK whip during the floor test and voted in favour of the ruling side. Reports also suggest that they may contest the upcoming by-elections on TVK tickets.
The development is being viewed as a major setback for the AIADMK, which is already grappling with internal challenges and electoral setbacks. The growing influence of the TVK and the apparent shift of opposition leaders towards the party has intensified political churn in Tamil Nadu, with speculation that more defections could follow in the coming days.