Aadhav Arjuna, Nirmal Kumar join Vijay’s TVK

Aadhav Arjuna. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Former deputy general secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Aadhav Arjuna, and AIADMK IT wing joint secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the presence of the party president Vijay at the party headquarters in Panaiyur on Friday (January 31, 2025).

Both leaders have been given key postings in the party, according to sources. In early December 2024, Mr. Vijay launched a book, Ellorukkumaana Thalaivar Ambedkar (Ambedkar: A leader for all), authored by Mr. Arjuna. At the book launch, Mr. Arjuna had said: “In Tamil Nadu, only monarchy exists. In 2026, monarchy should come to an end. Chief Ministers should not be chosen based on birth. We need ideologically committed leaders to rule Tamil Nadu. A common man, a Dalit, should become Chief Minister.”

Mr. Arjuna’s comments on “dynastic politics of the DMK” had sparked a controversy, as the VCK is a constituent of the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. Following the incident, VCK founder and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan suspended him from the party for six months. Mr. Arjuna quit the VCK, a few days after his suspension.

Mr. Kumar, who was heading the BJP Tamil Nadu IT and social media unit, had crossed over to the AIADMK in March 2023, charging allegations against BJP State president K. Annamalai.