VCK Criticises AIADMK's 'Half-Hearted' Response to Leaders Joining TVK

Fresh political friction has emerged in Tamil Nadu after Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan criticised the AIADMK leadership for what he described as its muted response to a series of high-profile defections to the ruling TVK , accusing the opposition party of failing to effectively challenge alleged attempts to undermine the electoral mandate.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Thirumavalavan questioned why AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had maintained "absolute silence" despite several senior party leaders resigning and joining the ruling party. The defections included former ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M. R. Vijayabhaskar , triggering renewed political tensions in the state.

The VCK leader said the AIADMK had failed to mount a strong political response to what it has itself described as widespread political poaching and the subversion of democratic norms. He argued that the opposition should have mobilised public opinion instead of limiting its response to formal representations.

Thirumavalavan also criticised the AIADMK's decision to submit a memorandum to the Governor alleging horse-trading and unconstitutional attempts to alter the people's mandate, describing the move as a "half-hearted attempt" that fell short of confronting the issue politically.

The remarks underscore the growing friction between the VCK , AIADMK , and the ruling TVK , as the wave of defections has intensified political exchanges ahead of future electoral contests. While the AIADMK has accused the ruling party of engineering defections, Thirumavalavan maintained that the opposition's response lacked the urgency needed to defend democratic institutions.

Addressing another key political issue, Thirumavalavan said the Congress , VCK , and Left parties would jointly oppose any attempt by the Centre to pass the One Nation, One Election Bill during the upcoming Parliament session. He reiterated that the proposed legislation, which seeks to synchronise elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, would face strong resistance from the Opposition bloc.