DMK emerges as magnet for opposition defectors

Among the most prominent to cross over are former minister A. Anwhar Raajhaa, former MP V. Maitreyan and V. R. Karthik Thondaiman

- HD Bureau

Shifts within the opposition landscape are accelerating as a steady stream of former figures from the AIADMK and the nascent Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam align themselves with the ruling DMK, underlining a period of political consolidation ahead of key electoral contests.

The movement has gathered pace over the past six months, with senior leaders citing ideological comfort, organisational stability and access to governance as decisive factors behind their decisions.

Among the most prominent to cross over are former minister and Member of Parliament A. Anwhar Raajhaa, former MP V. Maitreyan and former legislator V. R. Karthik Thondaiman. Their entry into the ruling party has been positioned by the DMK leadership as a validation of its administrative record and political coherence, while also exposing strains within rival formations that have struggled to project unity or a clear leadership structure.