Internal frictions within the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are now surfacing more openly, with party sources pointing to growing tensions between MLAs, ministers and district secretaries.
According to these sources, TVK chief Vijay allotted Assembly election tickets to 106 entrants from other parties, leaving several key functionaries— including 62 district secretaries—without nominations. After the election, 49 of those entrants won, and seven became ministers, further sharpening resentment within the organisation.
In Tiruchirappalli’s suburban south unit, district secretary Arulraju was denied a ticket for the Thiruverumbur segment, which went to Viji, a former DMK member. The dispute escalated after Viji won and allegedly began seeking the district secretary post; an audio clip purportedly featuring Viji using abusive language against Arulraju’s supporter Sabari has also circulated.
In Sivakasi, Keerthana—who joined the party a day before candidate announcements—contested and later became a minister, while Virudhunagar northwest district secretary Mariselvam did not get a ticket. Sources claim Mariselvam is not invited to events attended by the minister, and a scuffle reportedly broke out during Vijay’s birthday celebrations in Sivakasi, where a banner put up by the minister’s supporters was torn.
Similar fault lines are being reported in parts of Chennai and elsewhere, including disputes over seats, influence and event participation, along with poster wars and cold wars between local leaders. Party sources say the influx of leaders from other parties has intensified these internal conflicts across Tamil Nadu.
