Key Azhagiri supporter switches to AIADMK

A prominent supporter of former Union Minister and Karunanidhi’s son M. K. Azhagiri, identified as B. M. Mannan, has joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam along with several followers, marking a notable political shift just months before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Mannan was long considered an influential figure within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam circles in Madurai during Azhagiri’s active years in the party. However, after Azhagiri’s removal from the DMK in 2014, his support base weakened. In recent weeks, amid ongoing outreach from AIADMK and other parties, Mannan and his supporters opted to join AIADMK, citing a lack of clear engagement or “signals” from the DMK leadership on his political future. The move is seen as part of broader political realignments in Tamil Nadu, with parties jostling for support and strengthening their ranks ahead of the state polls.