Kaliyammal Leaves NTK to Join Vijay's TVK
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Synopsis
Kaliyammal, the state coordinator of NTK's women's wing, resigns and prepares to join Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, marking a significant political shift amid rising tensions within NTK.
Key Takeaways
- Kaliyammal resigns from NTK to join TVK.
- She will be welcomed by Vijay during TVK's anniversary celebration.
- Her departure is linked to disagreements with Seeman.
- Vijay's TVK is positioning itself for the 2026 elections.
- The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is shifting.
Chennai, Feb 25 (NationPress) Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) women's wing state coordinator Kaliyammal, who has officially stepped down from the party, is set to join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Kaliyammal, who resigned from NTK on Monday, will be welcomed into TVK during the party's inaugural anniversary celebrations, taking place in Mahabalipuram on Wednesday.
Superstar-turned-politician Vijay, the founder and president of TVK, will be present to greet her into the party.
Kaliyammal, a prominent figure in NTK alongside party leader Seeman, decided to leave the organization due to ongoing disagreements with him.
In a poignant letter to NTK's members, she conveyed her profound sadness over her exit, emphasizing that her six-year journey with the party was more significant than her family.
"With a heavy heart, I am penning this letter to say goodbye to a journey that has been central to my life for the past six years. I have valued every moment spent in the party. These years have enriched me with priceless political experiences, and I am thankful for the bonds formed with sisters, brothers, and friends," she wrote.
She also expressed gratitude to all party members, leaders, and the Tamil populace.
A senior NTK official attributed Kaliyammal's departure to her increasingly strained rapport with chief coordinator Seeman, despite her notable growth within the organization.
"This situation, along with the recent exits of state coordinator Jagadeesan Pandian and several other key figures, marks a significant blow for NTK," the official remarked.
In a media statement, Seeman mentioned that Kaliyammal had the complete freedom to make her own choices, noting that the party is experiencing a natural transition phase.
Kaliyammal, recognized for her eloquence and organizational prowess, is anticipated to be a considerable asset to TVK.
Vijay officially established TVK on February 2, 2024, announcing his stance against corruption and divisive politics. Although he opted out of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he affirmed that TVK would participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
On August 22, 2024, Vijay launched the party's flag and anthem at the headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai. The inaugural conference was held on October 27, 2024, in Vikravandi, Villupuram district, drawing an estimated three lakh attendees, which caused significant traffic snarls in Vikravandi and Mundiyampakkam, prompting diversions on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway.
During the conference, Vijay labeled the BJP as his ideological rival and the DMK as his political opponent.
He accused the DMK of being a family-centric organization that exploits the "Dravidian" identity for personal benefits while criticizing the BJP for its "divisive politics".
Vijay's political influence has been consistently rising. His fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), made a significant mark in the 2021 Tamil Nadu local body elections, securing 115 out of the 169 seats contested.
In contrast, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) failed to win any seats. This electoral success has solidified Vijay’s status in Tamil Nadu's political arena.
He has also stated that TVK will only collaborate with parties that recognize his leadership. Political analysts view this as a strong hint that Vijay is aiming for the Chief Minister's position in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
