Chennai , 25 May (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu’s political landscape witnessed another dramatic shift on Monday after three AIADMK rebel legislators resigned from the Assembly and formally joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), triggering fresh speculation over further defections and possible by-elections in the state.

Madurantakam MLA Maragatham Kumaravel, Dharapuram MLA Sathyabama, and Perundurai MLA Jayakumar submitted their resignation letters to Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar before later joining TVK in the presence of senior party leaders. The development marks the first major resignations from the AIADMK camp after weeks of internal turmoil and political uncertainty following the Assembly elections.

Sources said the three MLAs are considered close to the faction led by senior AIADMK leaders and former ministers C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani. Soon after tendering their resignations, the legislators reportedly met Minister Aadhav Arjuna and completed formalities to join Chief Minister Joseph Vijay-led TVK.

The resignations are being viewed as a significant political development, as they come amid continuing efforts within AIADMK to restore unity after internal differences surfaced following the trust vote in the Assembly.

Political observers note that the Velumani-Shanmugam faction had earlier adopted a relatively supportive approach towards the TVK government. Around 25 AIADMK MLAs from the camp had earlier backed the ruling side, fuelling speculation of a potential split within the party. However, despite expectations, the faction did not receive representation in the TVK cabinet.

Subsequently, reports emerged that reconciliation efforts had begun between the rebel faction and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami in an attempt to prevent a deeper crisis within the party.

The latest resignations have now reignited uncertainty within Tamil Nadu politics. With Chief Minister Vijay having already vacated the Tiruchy East constituency, the number of vacant Assembly seats is expected to rise to four, setting the stage for possible by-elections.

Political circles are now closely watching whether more AIADMK legislators may follow a similar path in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman