Tamil Nadu CM backs TVK candidate’s switch from AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay has defended the decision of his party’s Dharapuram candidate, Sathyabama, to leave the AIADMK and join TVK. Speaking at a by-election campaign meeting in Dharapuram (Reserved) on Wednesday, Vijay said Sathyabama’s departure was prompted by what he described as the AIADMK leadership’s attempt to work with its long-time rival, the DMK.

He portrayed TVK as an organic successor to the AIADMK’s political tradition. Sathyabama was elected from the constituency on an AIADMK ticket in May, then resigned her Assembly membership and joined TVK. At the meeting, she became emotional while describing abuse directed at her after the switch.

She said she had entered politics inspired by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and denied leaving because she disliked the AIADMK. Sathyabama said her decision reflected concerns about the mentality of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

She also thanked Palaniswami, saying she would have remained in the party if not for what she alleged was his attempt to move closer to the DMK. Vijay rejected opposition claims that she had been bought over. He criticised what he called a tacit understanding between the DMK and AIADMK and said the TVK was now the only party capable of challenging the DMK.

He also accused the DMK of family dominance and said his government followed the principles of late leader C.N. Annadurai by giving poorer people opportunities to become legislators and ministers. Vijay said the opposition’s alleged efforts to destabilise TVK would not succeed.

The chief minister promised to address irrigation, drinking-water and infrastructure needs in Dharapuram. He urged voters to reject what he called opposition lies and support Sathyabama and TVK.