Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Jul 26: In a setback for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) at the grassroots level, more than 25 local office-bearers from Chennai joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Sunday, alleging that dedicated workers had been sidelined despite years of service to the party.

The induction took place at Saidapet, where senior DMK leader and former minister Ma. Subramanian formally welcomed the new members into the party.

The defectors said they decided to switch allegiance after becoming disillusioned with their treatment in the TVK and expressed hope of continuing their political work under the DMK's organisational framework.

The group was led by Santhosh, former Joint Secretary of TVK's Ward-186 unit in Puzhuthivakkam. Among those who joined him were Ward Youth Wing Organiser Sivanesan, Area Treasurer Karthik, and several other grassroots functionaries from the same ward.

Speaking to reporters after joining the DMK, Santhosh said nearly 30 members from Ward-186 had resigned from the TVK together before enrolling in the opposition party.

He said the collective decision followed repeated disappointment over what they described as the party's failure to recognise and reward long-serving workers.

According to Santhosh, cadres who had played a key role in building the organisation from its early days were routinely overlooked, while newcomers were allegedly given greater importance and organisational responsibilities.

He claimed that senior workers had repeatedly raised their concerns with the party leadership, but their grievances went unheard and no corrective action was taken.

Santhosh further alleged that experienced grassroots leaders received little recognition despite their sustained efforts, leaving many workers feeling marginalised within the organisation.

He said the lack of meaningful responsibilities and internal acknowledgement eventually convinced them that they could no longer continue in the party.

Explaining his decision to join the DMK, Santhosh said he had long admired the party's organisational structure and functioning.

While he initially joined the TVK because of actor-turned-Chief Minister Vijay, he claimed that the expectations of committed party workers had not been fulfilled.

He also praised the DMK's organisational strength, saying it had remained effective even while in the Opposition, and expressed confidence that the new entrants would have greater opportunities to work for public welfare under its banner.

The defections come amid an ongoing political contest between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK as both parties seek to consolidate their grassroots support ahead of future electoral battles in Tamil Nadu.