Chennai: Resistance is building within the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) over a possible move to induct AIADMK MLA and former minister C. Vijayabaskar, who is facing several corruption-related cases, including the ‘gutkha’ case.
The development comes after four MLAs from an AIADMK dissident camp resigned and joined TVK. In the wake of those defections, Vijayabaskar—currently the AIADMK MLA from Viralimalai—has been holding discussions about aligning with TVK, according to party sources.
A senior TVK functionary said Vijayabaskar has been trying to enter the party through intermediaries, citing ministers Anand, Sengottaiyan and Aadhav Arjuna. However, the leader said the party is wary that inducting him would mean “carrying the burden” of ongoing cases, including a disproportionate assets case, and could invite political backlash.
The same source claimed Vijayabaskar is also under the CBI’s lens in a major case in Kerala, and argued that his entry could damage TVK’s positioning as a party that speaks of political “purity.” While TVK leadership moved quickly to admit the four MLAs, it is said to be weighing the Vijayabaskar decision more cautiously.
Separately, former AIADMK minister ‘Agri’ Krishnamurthy criticised Aadhav Arjuna’s reported remark that TVK is the “real AIADMK,” calling it condemnable. He also said he believes Vijayabaskar, who is holding talks independently, would not do anything wrong.
