Chennai, May 29:
In a notable political development, former AIADMK MLA VNP Venketraman joined the DMK on Thursday in the presence of party president M. K. Stalin at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. His induction comes at a time when political realignments continue to unfold across Tamil Nadu following the recent Assembly elections.
Venketraman, who previously served as deputy secretary of the AIADMK propaganda wing, joined the DMK along with several party functionaries. Senior DMK leaders, including K. Ponmudy and R. S. Bharathi, were present during the induction programme, marking the significance of the move within party circles.
Speaking to reporters after joining, Venketraman said he was drawn towards what he described as a “sustainable and uncomplicated leadership,” explaining his decision to switch allegiance. His move reflects a broader trend of leaders from opposition parties shifting camps in the evolving political landscape of the state.
Venketraman had earlier won the 2014 by-election from the Alandur constituency, defeating DMK candidate R. S. Bharathi by a margin of 8,708 votes, making his entry into the DMK politically significant.