AIADMK Rebels Join TVK, Trigger Fresh ‘Horse-Trading’ Row in Tamil Nadu

Political tensions escalated in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday after a fourth rebel AIADMK MLA resigned from the Assembly amid allegations of “horse-trading” surrounding Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s ruling TVK government.

AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar , becoming the fourth legislator from the party’s rebel camp to quit in two days. Three other MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel, P. Sathyabama and S. Jayakumar had resigned on Monday before formally joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The developments triggered sharp reactions from the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led AIADMK faction , which petitioned the Speaker not to accept the resignations, arguing that anti-defection proceedings against 25 rebel MLAs were already pending. Senior AIADMK leaders alleged the resignations were aimed at escaping disqualification under the Tenth Schedule .

Party leaders Agri S.S. Krishnamoorthy and I.S. Inbadurai claimed the MLAs were inducted into the TVK even before their resignations were officially notified, accusing the ruling party of encouraging “backdoor politics.” The AIADMK warned it would move court if the Speaker failed to act.

Speaker Prabhakar defended his role, saying he was acting strictly within Assembly rules and constitutional powers .

The controversy also exposed unease within the Congress, now an ally in the Vijay-led government after quitting the DMK alliance following the April 23 elections. Congress MP S. Jothimani publicly criticised “horse-trading” and cautioned her party against adopting “double standards” by opposing defections elsewhere while supporting them in Tamil Nadu.

The TVK has denied wrongdoing, while party sources said the newly inducted leaders are likely to contest the upcoming bypolls on the party’s “whistle” symbol .