CHENNAI: R Vaithilingam, a four-time MLA from Orathanadu in Thanjavur who was expelled from the AIADMK for siding with dissident leader O Panneerselvam, joined the DMK in the presence of party president and Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday.
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He is the second senior that the DMK has poached in recent days, after P Manoj Pandian joined the ruling party on November 4. Both were MLAs who won on the AIADMK symbol in 2021.
Speaking to the media, the Thevar strongman from Delta said he was returning to the "mother party" founded by CN Annadurai, and added that a quick political decision was necessary as the election is nearing. An event would be organised in Thanjavur on January 27 to mark his entry into the DMK, Vaithilingam said.
He claimed that he had not placed any demands before joining the DMK. However, sources told DT Next that he had sought the Orathanadu seat for his son.
He accused the AIADMK of not functioning independently, and added that its leaders were acting in an authoritarian manner. Responding to questions on the BJP's influence over the AIADMK, he remarked, "Touch your conscience and answer that yourself."
Before shifting camps, Vaithilingam tendered his resignation as MLA to Assembly Speaker M Appavu. He was elected from Orathanadu four times between 2001 and 2021. In the 2016 election, he was defeated by the DMK candidate ‘Bullet’ Ramachandran. However, late AIADMK leader and chief minister J Jayalalithaa nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.
After completing his tenure, Vaithilingam contested from Orathanadu again in the 2021 Assembly election and won. He also served as a minister in Jaya’s governments in 2001-2006 and 2011-2016.
Vaithilingam joined the party in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Ministers KN Nehru, EV Velu, and Govi Chezhiaan.