AMMK Chief Moves to Disqualify Lone MLA S Kamaraj After Alleged TVK Support

The internal rift in the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam ( AMMK ) deepened on Sunday after party chief T T V Dhinakaran announced that the party’s lone MLA S Kamaraj would face disqualification proceedings , following his alleged support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during a recent floor test.

Dhinakaran said Kamaraj’s actions amounted to a serious breach of party discipline , and accused him of acting unilaterally in backing the ruling side. He also reiterated allegations of “horse-trading” , claiming that the MLA’s move undermined the mandate given by voters and workers who had supported his election on the AMMK ticket.

Kamaraj, who represents the Mannargudi constituency , is the party’s only MLA, having secured victory in a closely fought contest by defeating senior DMK leader T R B Rajaa by a margin of 1,566 votes . AMMK had contested 11 Assembly seats in alliance with NDA partners, including AIADMK, BJP and PMK, but managed only one win.

On May 12, Dhinakaran had already expelled Kamaraj from the party , accusing him of “betraying” cadres and voters. He had further said that the MLA should “go and join the other side” if he wished and warned that anti-defection provisions would be invoked if required.

Escalating his criticism on Sunday, Dhinakaran maintained that even a single MLA defection would attract legal scrutiny and said the party would pursue all available remedies. He also urged party workers to remain united, invoking the legacy of M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa , while expressing confidence in the revival of the opposition alliance in future elections.

Responding to the developments, expelled MLA S Kamaraj defended his position, stating that his support was extended in the interest of constituency development and political stability , and not as a result of any inducement. He rejected allegations of horse-trading and termed his expulsion unjustified and politically motivated .

Kamaraj further said he would explore legal and constitutional options to challenge his removal , asserting that he continues to enjoy the mandate of the people of Mannargudi. He also indicated that his next political course of action would be decided after consultations.

The dispute has now opened a fresh front within AMMK, exposing internal fractures at a time when opposition realignments in Tamil Nadu are gaining momentum ahead of the parliamentary elections.