Chennai, Aug. 31:
Former Tamil Nadu Minister Thoppu Venkatachalam has resigned from the DMK, citing bitter experiences during the recent Assembly election and while functioning as a district party organiser.
Venkatachalam submitted his resignation to DMK president M.K. Stalin, relinquishing his basic membership and other party responsibilities. He had earlier served as the DMK’s Erode Central district in-charge and contested the Perundurai Assembly constituency in the 2026 election, but was defeated. He was recently relieved of his district-level responsibility.
In his resignation letter, Venkatachalam thanked Stalin for giving him the opportunity to serve as a district functionary and party candidate. However, he said the experiences he and those who worked with him faced during the Assembly election had had a major impact on him and that he could no longer continue in the party.
Venkatachalam had joined the DMK after quitting the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly election. Following his resignation from the DMK, he said he currently has no plans or intention to join another political party.
His exit comes amid organisational changes within the DMK following the Assembly election, including changes involving several district-level party functionaries.