Chennai: In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, Anwar Raja, the organizing secretary of the AIADMK and former Union Minister, has quit the party and is set to join the ruling DMK. This move comes as a significant blow to the opposition AIADMK, already grappling with internal dissent over its renewed alliance with the BJP at the national level.
AIADMK leader Anwar Raja joins DMK; A Rebellion Brewing Over BJP Ties
Anwar Raja, a seasoned politician who served as the Minister of Labour in the AIADMK government (2001-2006) and later as a Member of Parliament (2014-2019), had been increasingly vocal about his displeasure with the party’s political direction. His discontent reportedly peaked after the AIADMK’s decision to re-align with the BJP, a move he publicly criticized during a recent press conference. “The BJP will not be able to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu,” Raja had asserted, adding that the alliance would cost the AIADMP precious minority votes in the state.
The veteran leader’s criticisms did not sit well with the party leadership. Soon after reports emerged of Raja’s visit to the DMK headquarters (Anna Arivalayam), AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami promptly issued orders for his expulsion from the party. This swift action underscores the AIADMK’s hard-line stance against any dissent regarding its alliance strategy.
Political observers note that Raja’s exit is particularly significant given his long association with the party. Originally part of the Janaki faction during the AIADMK split after MGR’s death, Raja had briefly left the party in 2021 before returning. His latest departure, however, appears final, with the DMK ready to welcome the experienced leader into its fold.
Senior journalists covering Tamil Nadu politics suggest multiple factors behind Raja’s decision. Thuglak Ramesh pointed out that Raja had been side-lined by the party leadership, evidenced by his exclusion from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections despite his request for a ticket. “When you combine his public criticism of the BJP alliance with the party’s refusal to give him an electoral opportunity, his move becomes understandable,” Ramesh explained.
Tharasu Shyam, another veteran journalist, revealed that Raja had privately expressed frustrations about his political future. “When we last spoke, he talked about retiring from politics, unsure of his next steps,” Shyam said. “Given his stature, joining a smaller party wasn’t viable, making the DMK the only realistic option.”