Chennai, June 11:
Former AIADMK Minister P. Benjamin joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday, marking a significant political shift ahead of evolving party dynamics in Tamil Nadu. He formally enrolled himself in the party at Anna Arivalayam in the presence of DMK president M.K. Stalin.
Benjamin, a long-time member of the AIADMK, had held several key positions during his political career. He served as the Deputy Mayor of the Chennai Corporation and later became a Minister following the 2016 Assembly elections, handling portfolios such as School Education and Rural Industries.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, Benjamin contested from the Maduravoyal constituency but was defeated by a candidate from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Following the polls, internal differences within the AIADMK led to his removal from the post of Tiruvallur Central East district secretary.
Speaking after meeting Stalin, Benjamin said his decision to join the DMK was driven by his desire to “continue serving the public,” signalling his intention to remain active in public life under the new political platform.