In Tamil Nadu politics, many former members of AIADMK are now joining the ruling DMK instead of the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Over the last six months, ex-ministers and lawmakers like A. Anwhar Raajhaa, V. Maitreyan, and V.R. Karthik Thondaiman switched to DMK. Former dissidents from O. Panneerselvam’s group, such as A. Subburathinam, P.H. Manoj Pandian, and R. Vaithilingam, have also moved to DMK. On January 23, 2026, S.V.S.P. Manickaraja, former AMMK deputy general secretary, joined DMK after his expulsion from AMMK. Meanwhile, TVK, led by actor Vijay, attracted only two prominent ex-AIADMK leaders: K.A. Sengottaiyan and J.C.D. Prabhakar. When asked about this trend, Subburathinam said those loyal to Dravidian ideals see DMK as the strong force to oppose BJP’s divisive politics. Prabhakar claimed many lesser-known AIADMK workers are joining TVK and that those unhappy with both big parties prefer TVK due to its leader’s people-friendly image.