📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Politics
CM Vijay names TVK as natural AIADMK heir, defends Dharapuram candidate’s party switch
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 01 Oct 2026, 02:17 PM
👁 8
Tamil Nadu’s chief minister Vijay declared TVK the rightful successor to the AIADMK and explained the reasons behind the Dharapuram candidate’s recent shift to his party.
Chief Minister Vijay of Tamil Nadu publicly asserted that TVK is the organic successor to the AIADMK, signalling the ruling party’s intent to integrate the veteran leader into its fold. The statement was made during a press briefing following the party’s decision to field TVK in upcoming elections.
TVK, a long‑time AIADMK stalwart, has been praised by Vijay for his experience and alignment with the party’s ideological roots. By positioning him as the natural heir, the chief minister aims to consolidate AIADMK’s voter base ahead of the state polls.
The chief minister also addressed the recent party switch of the Dharapuram constituency candidate, who moved from a rival outfit to join Vijay’s party. Vijay justified the move as a strategic realignment, citing the candidate’s commitment to the development agenda and his compatibility with TVK’s leadership style.
Political analysts note that the endorsement of TVK and the acceptance of the Dharapuram candidate could strengthen the ruling coalition’s prospects in the southern districts, where AIADMK’s influence has waned in recent years.
TVK, a long‑time AIADMK stalwart, has been praised by Vijay for his experience and alignment with the party’s ideological roots. By positioning him as the natural heir, the chief minister aims to consolidate AIADMK’s voter base ahead of the state polls.
The chief minister also addressed the recent party switch of the Dharapuram constituency candidate, who moved from a rival outfit to join Vijay’s party. Vijay justified the move as a strategic realignment, citing the candidate’s commitment to the development agenda and his compatibility with TVK’s leadership style.
Political analysts note that the endorsement of TVK and the acceptance of the Dharapuram candidate could strengthen the ruling coalition’s prospects in the southern districts, where AIADMK’s influence has waned in recent years.