TVK functionaries quit, join DMK citing neglect of grassroots workers
Synopsis
More than 25 ward-level TVK functionaries from Chennai's Puzhuthivakkam have walked into the DMK, citing a pattern many grassroots parties fear most — veterans sidelined for newcomers. Led by former Ward-186 Joint Secretary Santhosh, the group's public grievances put the spotlight on whether Vijay's TVK can hold its organisational base together as Tamil Nadu's political competition intensifies.
Key Takeaways
More than 25 TVK functionaries from Chennai joined the DMK on 26 July at a ceremony in Saidapet .
The group was led by Santhosh , former Joint Secretary of TVK's Ward-186 unit in Puzhuthivakkam .
Defectors alleged that long-serving workers were overlooked for responsibilities while newer entrants received greater prominence.
Senior DMK leader and former Minister Ma.
Subramanian formally inducted the new members.
Santhosh said nearly 30 members from Ward-186 collectively resigned from the TVK before joining the DMK.
More than 25 local functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from Chennai formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Sunday, 26 July, alleging that long-serving organisational workers had been systematically sidelined in favour of newer entrants. The induction, held at Saidapet, marks a fresh grassroots setback for the ruling TVK amid intensifying political competition across Tamil Nadu.
How the Defections Unfolded
The induction ceremony was conducted at Saidapet in the presence of senior DMK leader and former Minister Ma. Subramanian, who formally welcomed the group into the party. The contingent was led by Santhosh, the former Joint Secretary of TVK's Ward-186 unit in Puzhuthivakkam. Other office-bearers who switched allegiance included Ward Youth Wing Organiser Sivanesan, Area Treasurer Karthik, and several other grassroots functionaries from the same ward.
What the Departing Members Said
Addressing reporters after joining the DMK, Santhosh said nearly 30 members from Ward-186 had collectively resigned from the TVK before enrolling in the DMK. He alleged that party workers who had contributed to building the organisation from its early stages were consistently overlooked for responsibilities, while recent entrants were allegedly given greater prominence. 'Senior cadre had repeatedly raised concerns within the party, but their grievances were neither acknowledged nor acted upon,' he said.
Santhosh also noted that the absence of meaningful organisational roles and what he described as a lack of internal recognition ultimately convinced the group they could no longer continue in the TVK. He added that he had initially joined the TVK because of actor-turned-politician Vijay, but said the expectations of dedicated workers had not been met.
Why the DMK Was the Destination
Explaining the choice, Santhosh said he had long admired the DMK's organisational structure and political functioning. He cited the party's demonstrated strength even during its years in the Opposition, and expressed confidence that the new entrants would be able to work more effectively for public welfare under its banner.
Broader Political Context
The defections come amid continuing grassroots competition between the TVK and the DMK across Tamil Nadu. The TVK, founded by actor Vijay, has been working to build a district-level organisational presence, but incidents of ward-level attrition signal internal cohesion challenges. This is not the first time local functionaries have cited a disconnect between frontline workers and the party's central leadership. How TVK responds to these grievances at the ward level will likely determine whether such defections remain isolated or become a pattern.
Point of View
But they signal something more corrosive — an organisational culture that fails to reward loyalty. For TVK, a party still in the process of building a district-by-district presence, losing experienced grassroots workers to the very party it is trying to displace is a structural problem, not just a PR one. The DMK, with decades of cadre management experience, knows exactly how to absorb these defectors and amplify the optics. TVK's leadership will need to address internal grievance mechanisms urgently, or risk a slow haemorrhage of its most committed foot soldiers.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did TVK functionaries quit and join the DMK?
The functionaries alleged that long-serving grassroots workers were consistently sidelined in favour of newer entrants, and that repeated internal complaints went unacknowledged. Former Ward-186 Joint Secretary Santhosh said the absence of meaningful roles and lack of recognition left them with no choice but to leave.
Who led the group that joined the DMK from TVK?
The group was led by Santhosh, the former Joint Secretary of TVK's Ward-186 unit in Puzhuthivakkam, Chennai. Other notable members included Ward Youth Wing Organiser Sivanesan and Area Treasurer Karthik.
Where was the DMK induction ceremony held?
The induction ceremony was held at Saidapet in Chennai on 26 July, in the presence of senior DMK leader and former Minister Ma. Subramanian, who formally welcomed the new members.
How many members left TVK in this round of defections?
According to Santhosh, nearly 30 members from Ward-186 collectively resigned from the TVK before enrolling in the DMK, though reports indicate more than 25 were formally inducted at the Saidapet ceremony.
What does this mean for TVK's organisational strength in Tamil Nadu?
The defections highlight grassroots cohesion challenges for TVK as it competes with the established DMK for a district-level presence. While isolated, such ward-level attrition — if repeated — could slow TVK's organisational expansion ahead of future elections.
