Politics – Former AIADMK Minister K V Ramalingam Joins TVK in Erode
Politics – Former Tamil Nadu minister K V Ramalingam, who earlier held the Public Works Department portfolio under former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, formally joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Friday. The induction took place in the presence of senior political leader K A Sengottaiyan, marking a notable political shift in the Kongu belt of the state.
Ramalingam had long been recognised as one of the prominent AIADMK leaders in Erode district after Sengottaiyan. His influence in the region grew steadily over the years, especially as the Kongu region continued to remain an important support base for the AIADMK. His move to TVK is being viewed as a significant development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
Strong Presence in Erode Politics
K V Ramalingam represented the Erode West Assembly constituency on behalf of the AIADMK and secured victories in both the 2011 and 2016 elections. During the 2011–2016 period, he also served as the state’s Public Works Department minister in the cabinet led by Jayalalithaa.
His political career in western Tamil Nadu helped him build a loyal support network within the party and among local workers. Over the years, he became one of the familiar political faces in the region, particularly in Erode and surrounding districts.
Sources close to the development indicated that Ramalingam had shown interest in contesting again in the 2026 Assembly polls. However, he reportedly did not receive support from the party leadership for future electoral opportunities, leading to growing dissatisfaction within his camp.
Removal From Party Position Increased Speculation
Political discussions intensified earlier this week after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami removed Ramalingam from his organisational role within the party. The decision was seen as a setback to his standing in district-level party affairs and weakened his influence among local functionaries.
Soon after the move, speculation regarding his political future gained momentum in the region. On Thursday night, Ramalingam met senior leader K A Sengottaiyan personally, further fuelling expectations of a possible change in political allegiance.
The following day, he officially joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam along with several of his supporters. The development has drawn attention in political circles, especially because the Kongu region continues to play a major role in Tamil Nadu’s electoral calculations.
Ramalingam Explains Decision
Speaking about his decision after joining TVK, Ramalingam said he was unhappy with the current political direction taken by the AIADMK leadership. According to him, the possibility of the party functioning with the support of the DMK was not acceptable to him or his supporters.
He stated that the decision to leave the AIADMK was taken after discussions with his followers and close associates. His remarks indicate widening dissatisfaction among certain sections within the party’s regional leadership structure.
Political observers believe the move could influence local-level political equations in western Tamil Nadu in the coming months. While it remains unclear how the shift will impact voter sentiment, Ramalingam’s entry is expected to strengthen the visibility of TVK in the Erode region.
The latest political development also reflects the continuing changes taking place within Tamil Nadu’s opposition landscape as parties prepare for future electoral contests and regional alliances.