Did Former TN Minister Anwhar Rajaa Really Leave AIADMK for DMK?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold political realignment, former AIADMK Minister A. Anwhar Rajaa has resigned from his party and is poised to join DMK. This move not only highlights his discontent with the AIADMK leadership but also signals potential shifts in Tamil Nadu's political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- A. Anwhar Rajaa has officially left AIADMK.
- He is set to join DMK in a ceremony with M.K. Stalin.
- Rajaa's dissatisfaction stemmed from AIADMK's alliance with the BJP.
- His departure affects AIADMK's support among minority communities.
- Rajaa has a history of disciplinary issues within the AIADMK.
Chennai, July 21 (NationPress) In a significant political shift, former AIADMK Minister A. Anwhar Rajaa has severed ties with the party, making an appearance at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, as reported by party insiders.
It is anticipated that he will officially join the DMK in a ceremony attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Rajaa, who held the position of Labour Minister during the J. Jayalalithaa-led Cabinet from 2006 to 2011, had been increasingly dissatisfied with the AIADMK leadership, especially regarding its renewed alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Despite his recent low profile, his defection to the DMK has sent ripples through the AIADMK ranks, which are already struggling to maintain support from minority communities.
In a reaction to this shift, AIADMK sources indicated that Rajaa was expelled from the party and stripped of both his position and primary membership.
However, there has not yet been any official comment from AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
This is not Rajaa's first run-in with party discipline. He was previously expelled on November 30, 2021, for engaging in activities deemed anti-party.
This expulsion followed his public endorsement of former AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam, who had proposed the reintegration of V.K. Sasikala—a close aide of Jayalalithaa—into the party.
Rajaa was readmitted to the AIADMK on August 4, 2023, after he issued a formal apology to Palaniswami.
His ideological discomfort with the BJP's increasing influence in Tamil Nadu politics is well-known.
He was among the first AIADMK leaders to express apprehension over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's advocacy for a coalition government model in the state, asserting that such a framework would not work in a Dravidian political context.
Rajaa has consistently criticized the BJP's demands for power-sharing and its ideological positions, further deepening his rift with the AIADMK leadership.
This notable switch not only strengthens the DMK by acquiring a senior leader from the opposition but also poses new challenges for the AIADMK as it seeks to retain its minority support ahead of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
Point of View
Rajaa's departure from AIADMK to DMK is a telling indication of the shifting dynamics within Tamil Nadu politics. It raises questions about the longevity and stability of the AIADMK as it grapples with internal dissent and external pressures, especially with the looming 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did A. Anwhar Rajaa leave the AIADMK?
A. Anwhar Rajaa left the AIADMK due to growing disillusionment with the party leadership, particularly regarding its alliance with the BJP.
What was Rajaa's position in the AIADMK?
Rajaa served as the Labour Minister in the Cabinet led by J. Jayalalithaa from 2006 to 2011.
When is Rajaa expected to officially join the DMK?
Rajaa is likely to formally join the DMK in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Has Rajaa faced disciplinary action in the past?
Yes, Rajaa was previously expelled from the AIADMK on charges of anti-party activities before being readmitted in 2023.
How does Rajaa's move impact the political landscape in Tamil Nadu?
Rajaa's switch strengthens the DMK and poses new challenges for the AIADMK, especially in retaining minority support ahead of the 2026 elections.
