TIRUCHY: With the induction of R Vaithilingam — a key lieutenant of O Panneerselvam and a seasoned leader from the Delta region — the DMK has gained one of the most experienced and senior politicians from the area.
Vaithilingam, who played a significant role during the regime of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, is expected to be a major asset for the party in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Vaithilingam was a long-time member of the influential “Aivar Ani” (team of five leaders), with which Jayalalithaa maintained direct interaction on party affairs. Known as a daring and decisive politician in the Delta, he has extensive electoral experience and has overseen political work across nearly 25 Assembly segments in the region, earning strong grassroots support.
Despite the DMK’s landslide victory in the 2021 Assembly elections, Vaithilingam was one of the AIADMK leaders from the Delta region to win with a formidable margin, reflecting his personal popularity.
Now with the DMK, he is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the party’s stronghold in the region. With the DMK lacking senior and experienced leaders in many parts of the Delta — particularly from the Kallar community, to which Vaithilingam belongs — his entry is seen as filling a key organisational gap.
Apart from the erstwhile undivided Thanjavur district, Vaithilingam also commands influence in Ariyalur and Perambalur districts. Local political analysts say he has worked closely with both veteran leaders and younger cadres, but was sidelined under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, prompting him to align with O Panneerselvam earlier.
His decision to join the DMK is being viewed as a significant political development that could help him reassert his strength in the region.
Meanwhile, reliable sources in the DMK said Vaithilingam is likely to be offered the post of district secretary for the Orathanadu–Peravurani–Pattukkottai combine in Thanjavur district, considered a stronghold of the Kallar community.