Dhinakaran stated that the reason behind the move was that Kamaraj acted independently and in violation of the party line. Screengrab: ANI
TTV Dhinakaran expels AMMK MLA S. Kamaraj over support to Vijay and TVK
AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran removed MLA S Kamaraj from the party after his support for Vijay’s TVK triggered a fresh political confrontation
TTV Dhinakaran, the general secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), on Tuesday (May 12) expelled the party’s lone MLA S Kamaraj and removed him from all party responsibilities with immediate effect for extending support to Chief Minister Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in alleged violation of the party line.
Expulsion for support to TVK
Announcing the decision, Dhinakaran, in a post on X, stated that the reason behind the move was that Kamaraj acted independently and in violation of the party line by pledging support to the TVK in the Assembly.
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"I hereby inform you that Mr. S. Kamaraj, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Mannargudi for the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, has been removed from all his party responsibilities--including his status as a basic member--effective today," stated Dhinakaran.
"This action has been taken because Mr. S. Kamaraj, acting unilaterally and in violation of the party's official stance, today expressed his support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam within the Legislative Assembly,” he added, terming the MLA’s move as in “direct contradiction to the party's goals and principles."
The move comes within hours of Kamaraj publicly extending support to the government led by Vijay on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Kamaraj’s electoral background
Kamaraj, who was elected from the Mannargudi Assembly constituency, had secured victory in the recent elections by defeating DMK candidate TRB Raja by a margin of 1,566 votes. He polled 68,416 votes in the constituency.
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The latest political flashpoint comes amid the continuing dispute between the AMMK and TVK over a letter allegedly expressing Kamaraj’s support for the Vijay-led party.
Forgery allegation against TVK
Earlier on Saturday, Dhinakaran accused the TVK of submitting a “forged copy” of Kamaraj’s support letter to Governor Rajendra Arlekar.
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Dhinakaran challenged the TVK leadership to produce the original document before the Governor.
"If it is true, let him surrender the video and the original letter to the Governor. Giving a forged letter, what is this!" Dhinakaran had said.
TVK’s response
TVK, however, rejected the allegation and released a video, asserting, "These are the visuals of AMMK MLA Kamaraj voluntarily and happily writing a letter expressing his support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam."
The party is currently seeking outside support to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.