In a surprising political twist, BJP National Council Member and former AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan has quit the BJP and rejoined the AIADMK. Maitreyan, who was once considered a close confidante of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, made this decision on Thursday evening, marking a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.Maitreyan met with AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, at his residence in Chennai to formally rejoin the party. In response to Maitreyan’s request for readmission, Palaniswami accepted his letter and reinstated him into the AIADMK. The party’s official release confirmed the news later that evening.
This reunion marks a full-circle moment for Maitreyan, who was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 due to alleged “anti-party activities” and actions that reportedly brought disrepute to the party. At the time of his expulsion, he held the position of AIADMK Organising Secretary. However, just a year later, in June 2023, Maitreyan joined the BJP and was appointed as a National Council Member, a significant role in the saffron party.
Yet, Maitreyan’s history with the BJP dates back much further. In his early days, he was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and in 1991, became an executive member of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit. By 1995, he was serving as the General Secretary of BJP Tamil Nadu, a post he held until 1997. His journey with the BJP continued until 2000, when he resigned and shifted political allegiance to the AIADMK.
After joining the AIADMK in 2000, Maitreyan quickly gained the trust of the late Jayalalithaa, who valued his loyalty and dedication. Under her leadership, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha three times, further cementing his place in Tamil Nadu’s political scene. His rise within the AIADMK ranks during Jayalalithaa’s reign was a testament to his political acumen and ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the party.
However, after Jayalalithaa’s passing, Maitreyan’s position in the party became increasingly precarious, culminating in his expulsion in 2022 under Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership. His re-entry into the BJP was viewed as a potential fresh start, but just a year later, Maitreyan has made the unexpected decision to return to his old party.
Maitreyan’s return to the AIADMK raises questions about the future trajectory of the party and his role within it. His rejoining comes at a critical time as Tamil Nadu’s political parties gear up for the upcoming 2024 General Elections. Maitreyan’s past experience and close association with Jayalalithaa could provide the AIADMK with an advantage, particularly as the party looks to regain its footing after recent internal divisions and electoral challenges.
Furthermore, his departure from the BJP after a brief stint indicates the complex nature of political alliances in Tamil Nadu. Maitreyan’s ability to switch between the two parties also reflects the changing dynamics in state politics, where ideology often takes a back seat to personal and political strategy.