Overview
- On August 13, former AIADMK organising secretary V. Maitreyan formally joined the DMK at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai before Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expelled Maitreyan immediately, criticizing his history of frequent party switches.
- Maitreyan cited confusion over Amit Shah’s coalition announcement and the underutilisation of his organisational role as reasons for quitting the AIADMK.
- His departure follows the July defection of senior leader A. Anwhar Raajhaa and highlights mounting AIADMK dissent ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
- The DMK has welcomed recent high-profile entrants to project momentum and reinforce its narrative of growing support.