TVK draws former AIADMK minister and veteran CPI leader into its ranks

On June 20, 2026, film director R V Udayakumar – a prominent figure in 1990s commercial cinema – and former AIADMK minister Gomathi Srinivasan formally joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Chennai. The induction ceremony was attended by TVK general secretaries and other senior leaders.

Two days earlier, on June 18, 2026, veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader C Mahendran was inducted into TVK at its Panaiyur headquarters. Mahendran, who has a 50‑year left‑wing political career, said the move would strengthen communist ideals and fight corruption, praising TVK chief Vijay for enabling ordinary citizens to win elections.

Both newcomers highlighted TVK’s anti‑corruption stance and its potential to mobilise marginalized communities, signalling a broader trend of seasoned politicians from diverse parties shifting allegiance to TVK in Tamil Nadu.