AIADMK former Minister A Anwhar Raajhaa joins DMK after party expels him

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 21 (ANI): In a major political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) former Minister and MP A Anwhar Raajhaa on Monday joined Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the presence of DMK President and Chief Minister MK Stalin at Chennai Anna Arivalayam.

AIADMK expelled him from the party again when he reached DMK HQ, Anna Arivalayam, on Monday.

This move comes after Raajhaa consistent criticism of the AIADMK alliance with the BJP, which he believes will harm the party interests in Tamil Nadu.

He expressed concerns over the BJP growing influence in Tamil Nadu politics and the potential damage it could cause to the AIADMK. He emphasised that the BJP agenda is to destroy the AIADMK and then fight against the DMK.

Anwhar Raajhaa, addressing the press after joining DMK, Raajhaa pointed out that Union Minister Amit Shah mentioned the NDA coalition forming the government but didnt specify Edappadi Palaniswami as the CM candidate, indicating a potential rift within the alliance.

Raajhaa criticised the AIADMK for deviating from its core ideology and being controlled by the BJP, which he described as a negative force in Tamil Nadu politics.

Union Minister Amit Shah has said the NDA coalition would form the government. But not even in one place has Amit Shah have not mentioned Edappadi Palaniswami as CM candidature. Edappadi Palaniswami has been campaigning for 10 days, but he cant project himself as the AIADMK CM candidate. Edappadi Palaniswami keeps on saying he is the CM candidate, he is the CM candidate. BJP joins hands with AIADMK to destroy the AIADMK. AIADMK has been caught in the BJP hands. AIADMK travels in the opposite direction of Anna idealogue pathway. BJP is a negative force in Tamil Nadu. People wont accept that. My only option was DMK. So I have joined DMK. For sure, Thalapathy (M K Stalin) would become CM again, Anwhar Raajhaa added.

Raajhaa was expelled from the AIADMK in 2021 for criticising the party top brass and advocating for VK Sasikala reinduction. However, he was re-admitted to the party in 2023 after submitting a formal apology to Palaniswami.

Raajhaa consistently spoke out against the alliance, stating that it would harm the AIADMK prospects and alienate minority communities

Anwhar Raajhaa departure comes at a time when the BJP has been pushing for a coalition government in the state if the NDA wins in 2026. The DMK gained a senior leader from the rival camp, potentially strengthening its position ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The AIADMK faces fresh challenges in retaining its support base among minorities, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. (ANI)

Disclaimer: This news article is a direct feed from ANI and has not been edited by the News Nation team. The news agency is solely responsible for its content.