What Defines the Political Journey of V Maitreyan?

Chennai, Aug 13 (NationPress) Dr V. Maitreyan’s political trajectory is a remarkable tale of adaptability—a path that has taken him from the ideological foundations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the influential corridors of Delhi. His journey includes roles as a former BJP state president, a three-term AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP, and now, a recent addition to the DMK.

Born into a prominent family in Chennai, Maitreyan began his professional life as a medical oncologist, earning significant respect before transitioning into politics.

His political initiation took place within the RSS, leading to his membership in the BJP in 1991 as an executive member of its Tamil Nadu chapter.

Over the next decade, he progressed through the party ranks—serving as general secretary (1995-97), vice president (1997-99), and briefly as president in 1999. However, that year, he had a confrontation with the party leadership regarding its alliance with the DMK for the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. Following his suspension for anti-party actions, he departed from the BJP in July 1999 to join the AIADMK, then led by J. Jayalalithaa.

In a short time, Maitreyan became one of Jayalalithaa’s trusted allies in Delhi. In 2002, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha to fill a vacancy left by the late veteran leader G.K. Moopanar, and he was re-nominated in 2007 and 2013.

During his time in Parliament, Maitreyan was held in high regard for his composed and articulate contributions, often effectively representing the AIADMK's stance on national matters with clarity and discipline.

The political landscape shifted considerably after Jayalalithaa’s passing in December 2016. Maitreyan aligned himself with O. Panneerselvam in the leadership conflict against Edappadi K. Palaniswami, a choice that ultimately led to his political marginalization.

In 2022, he was expelled from the AIADMK. On June 9, 2023, Maitreyan made a comeback to the BJP, and by August, he was inducted into its national executive committee. However, this second stint with the BJP was brief—he resigned on September 12, 2024, and rejoined the AIADMK with EPS.

Months later, on January 28, 2025, he was designated as the AIADMK Organising Secretary. Yet, in a surprising move, Maitreyan entered 'Anna Arivalayam' to join the DMK, welcomed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Post his induction, he commended the DMK’s “inclusive and development-oriented” governance and expressed his eagerness to “contribute meaningfully” to the party’s objectives.

Throughout his political journey, Maitreyan has developed a persona characterized by loyalty to his partners, diligent organizational efforts, and a preference for negotiation over conflict.

While critics view his frequent party changes as political opportunism, supporters interpret them as strategic adaptability within Tamil Nadu’s unpredictable political landscape. Regardless, Maitreyan’s latest transition adds yet another chapter to a career defined by reinvention.