Former AIADMK ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabaskar are expected to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (Thaveka) on June 29, according to reports. The induction is planned as a major event in Chennai, with both leaders likely to arrive with their supporters.
The development comes amid a series of exits from the AIADMK. Several AIADMK MLAs—Jayakumar (Perundurai), Sathyabama (Dharapuram), Maragatham (Madurantakam) and Isakki Subbiah (Ambasamudram)—have already resigned their posts and joined Thaveka, while party functionaries from district to branch levels are also said to be moving.
C. Vijayabaskar, former minister and Viralimali MLA, resigned his MLA post last week, and his entry into Thaveka is now described as confirmed. A senior Thaveka functionary claimed that there was initial hesitation within the party leadership due to cases against him, but the leadership later agreed after internal pressure.
The same functionary said C. Vijayabaskar has been tasked with bringing more prominent AIADMK figures into Thaveka. He is said to have held talks with M.R. Vijayabaskar, former minister and Karur MLA, who is expected to resign his MLA post before joining.
Organisers are reportedly planning to bring more than 10,000 people from Pudukkottai and Karur to Chennai for the June 29 programme. Talks are also said to be underway with other former AIADMK ministers, including one leader described as being at odds with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
