10 AIADMK MLAs likely to resign, join ruling TVK before August 15

What began inside the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a discreet political exercise—informally called 'Operation L'—now appears to enter its decisive phase. According to multiple sources involved in negotiations, around 10 AIADMK legislators are likely to resign their Assembly seats and formally join the ruling party before August 15.

If that timetable holds, the resignations may coincide with the Election Commission's expected announcement of the next round of Assembly by-elections. 'This process will largely be completed before Independence Day,' said a senior leader involved in the talks. 'The objective is to finish the political transition before the by-election schedule begins.'

The latest phase follows steady defections over recent weeks. Of the 25 AIADMK MLAs who defied the party whip and backed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's bid to form the government in May, nearly half have either crossed over to the TVK or are in the process of doing so.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, seven seats are vacant, reducing its strength to 227. The TVK's current tally stands at 107. Former AIADMK ministers C Vijayabaskar and M R Vijayabhaskar recently joined the TVK after resigning as MLAs, alongside former ministers M S M Anandan and S Valarmathi, and several former MLAs and district-level functionaries. Earlier, four AIADMK legislators had resigned and crossed over to the TVK.

Senior leaders said the next batch is expected to include legislators aligned with influential AIADMK figures such as S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, both considered strong regional power centres. According to TVK and AIADMK sources, both leaders themselves are expected to join the TVK before the end of July or early August.

The negotiations extend beyond simple defections. Those resigning are being assured opportunities to recontest upcoming by-elections on TVK tickets. Senior leaders are understood to have been promised cabinet positions if re-elected, while others may be accommodated as district secretaries or office-bearers.

A senior AIADMK leader preparing to switch sides said the exodus reflects years of frustration rather than sudden opportunism. 'It was Edappadi Palaniswami's wish to remain general secretary until his last day,' the leader said. 'Many of us waited even after losing district secretary posts. There was no meaningful attempt to resolve the crisis.' The removal of district secretaries loyal to influential leaders, particularly Velumani, accelerated internal dissatisfaction.

For many legislators, practical considerations also play a role. With the AIADMK reduced to 41 MLAs after successive resignations and the TVK steadily consolidating power, many fear uncertain electoral prospects if they remain in a diminished party. Opposition leaders have alleged substantial financial inducements accompany the defections. For some former ministers, joining the TVK may also alter the political context surrounding pending corruption investigations. The TVK has rejected allegations of horse-trading.