In a dramatic shift shaking up Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of crucial elections, former AIADMK minister Nilofer Kafeel is set to join the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The high-profile switch will unfold during a major DMK training camp for northern district leaders in Tirupattur, drawing senior party figures and a large crowd of cadres.
Kafeel, who once served as Labour Welfare Minister under the previous AIADMK government, handed in her resignation to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami earlier today. In her letter, she expressed gratitude for the support received over her long association but cited personal reasons for stepping away from primary membership and all responsibilities.
Representing Vaniyambadi assembly constituency in the past, Kafeel’s political fortunes took a hit in 2021 when the party denied her a ticket, opting instead for Senthilkumar, a close aide of former minister K.C. Veeramani. This snub sparked internal rifts, leading to her expulsion from AIADMK that year. She was reinstated two years later but relegated to a marginal role, staying largely inactive in organizational activities.
Political observers see her move to DMK as a game-changer for Vellore region’s dynamics, particularly in Tirupattur and Vaniyambadi, where she retains a solid voter base. With Stalin personally overseeing the induction, DMK aims to bolster its foothold in these key areas, signaling aggressive expansion tactics.
This crossover underscores the fluid nature of Tamil Nadu politics, where loyalties shift rapidly amid election buzz. As parties scramble for advantage, Kafeel’s entry could tip scales in local contests, challenging AIADMK’s dominance in the region and injecting fresh momentum into DMK’s campaign.