Tamil Nadu polls 2016: Now, over 50 DMDK functionaries join DMK

In continuing desertions in actor-politician Vijayakant's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), several functionaries on Saturday joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Deputy Secretary of DMDK's Farmers Wing from Cuddalore V C Shanmugam and four others from the district joined the DMK in the presence of party treasurer M K Stalin, DMK said. Besides, more than 50 members of DMDK from Tiruvallore, including its Youth Wing leader S B Somasundaram, quit the party and came into the DMK fold, a party release said.

Ever since the DMDK shut its doors on the DMK for a poll pact, some of its functionaries have quit the party and joined the latter. The Vaiko-led People's Welfare Front, which has aligned with DMDK, has sharply criticised the DMK accusing it of poaching.

The desertions started with DMDK North Chennai District Secretary Yuvaraj who quit the party and joined DMK in the presence of its chief M Karunanidhi. This was followed up by DMDK's Kanyakumari District (West) Secretary Dinesh who embraced DMK on Friday.

Both Yuvaraj and Dinesh had said that they decided to shift their loyalty after DMDK's refusal to join hands with DMK to face the May 16 Assembly polls.