Former leader of the Naam Tamilar Katchi, Kaliyammal, has joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), creating fresh political buzz in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming elections.
Kaliyammal, who earlier served as a prominent women’s wing leader in the Naam Tamilar Katchi, had resigned from the party in February 2024 following differences with the leadership. After quitting the party, there was widespread speculation about which political party she would join, as she had remained active in public issues and continued interacting with people across several districts.
Confirming her new political move, Kaliyammal joined AIADMK in the presence of party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Political observers see her entry as a significant addition to the party, particularly because of her popularity as a speaker and her ability to mobilise grassroots supporters, especially women.
Explaining the reasons for joining AIADMK, Kaliyammal said she chose the party after carefully considering its ideology and political direction. She said her aim is to work for the welfare of the people and strengthen political efforts that focus on social justice and development. She also stated that she would continue raising issues affecting ordinary citizens and contribute actively to the party’s future programmes
Kaliyammal had earlier contested elections as a candidate of Naam Tamilar Katchi, including the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election and the Lok Sabha elections, where she secured a notable number of votes and gained recognition as a strong campaigner. Her speeches and grassroots activities have earned her a dedicated support base in several coastal and rural areas of the state.