Former AIADMK minister R. Vaithilingam joined the DMK on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the DMK headquarters in Chennai. His entry into the DMK is seen as an important political development, especially in the delta regions of Tamil Nadu.
Vaithilingam earlier served as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development in the government led by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He was also one of the five senior leaders in the AIADMK who closely advised Jayalalithaa on key political and administrative matters.
Known as a prominent leader in the delta districts, Vaithilingam was considered the public face of the AIADMK in that region for many years. His shift to the DMK is expected to strengthen the ruling party’s presence in the delta belt.
DMK leaders welcomed him warmly and said his experience and understanding of grassroots politics would help the party further. Vaithilingam thanked Chief Minister Stalin and said he joined the DMK to serve the people and work for the development of Tamil Nadu.