Thoppu ND Venkatachalam resigns from DMK

Former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Thoppu ND Venkatachalam has resigned from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), including all party positions and primary membership. Venkatachalam cited ‘bitter experiences’ during the last Assembly election and prevailing circumstances that made it impossible for him to continue within the movement.

While Venkatachalam clarified that his departure was not due to friction with DMK president MK Stalin, he noted that intra-party feuds in some organizations have exceeded reasonable limits. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Athikadavu-Avinashi groundwater recharge project but raised concerns regarding the Kodiveri combined drinking water project, noting that certain village panchayats in the Chennimalai union were excluded from water supply despite administrative sanctions.

Venkatachalam stated he has no immediate plans to join another political party. However, he remains active in politics and indicated he might consider contesting the upcoming Perundurai by-election if requested by the public.