Former AIADMK Minister R Vaithilingam joins DMK, meets Stalin

Former AIADMK minister and four-time MLA R Vaithilingam on Wednesday formally joined the DMK , meeting party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam. Vaithilingam also officially resigned his assembly membership from the Orathanad constituency before his induction, marking a complete break with his former party ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections .

A seasoned politician from the Thanjavur belt, Vaithilingam has held portfolios including Housing and Urban Development in AIADMK governments and was elected MLA multiple times since 2001. He was expelled from AIADMK in 2022 for his loyalty to ousted leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) amid factional disputes, leaving the OPS camp marginalised within the party.

Vaithilingam said his decision was triggered by a delay in the OPS faction taking a decisive political stand, prompting him to seek a platform he believes is stable and focused on governance. He criticised the current AIADMK leadership for not functioning effectively and praised DMK’s work for the state.

He was warmly received by M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin , and senior leaders K N Nehru, TKS Elangovan, and Senthil Balaji , along with party supporters. The presence of top leaders signals DMK’s recognition of Vaithilingam as a key political acquisition with significant influence in Thanjavur. During the induction, he presented a shawl to Stalin , a customary gesture reflecting respect and allegiance.

AIADMK sources described his resignation as an internal matter but insisted the party remains united and focused on its election strategy. Analysts note that Vaithilingam’s entry into DMK strengthens the party’s position ahead of the state elections, alters NDA alliance equations, and enhances DMK’s reach in Thanjavur , providing a strategic boost in the electoral contest.