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More than 1,000 DMDK members and close aides of actor Vijayakanth, including one-time close friend and business partner Ibrahim Rowther, joined the ruling AIADMK in the presence of its chief J Jayalalithaa here on Tuesday. Just a week ago, chief minister Jayalalithaa and DMDK leader Vijayakanth had an unpleasant exchange in the assembly, severing their ties and vowing never to team up again.

Among the high-profile DMDK members who made the cross-over were K Velmurugan, who unsuccessfully contested the Chennai Mayor’s post in last year’s civic polls; election wing secretary K Jagaveerapandian; medical wing secretary Dr Pari; Tiruvannamalai district secretary and former MLA Jaison Jacob; party’s trade union treasurer Ravindran and more than 10 district secretaries of various wings.

While Vijayakanth and Rowther have been estranged for a while, the businessman’s move in joining the AIADMK could prove a blow to the DMDK chief and his party, said sources. Rowther produced many of Vijayakanth’s films.

Jayalalithaa, who wished the newly-inducted members a bright future, said, “The hope with which you have joined the AIADMK will not go in vain.” In the small ceremony, she handed over membership cards at the party headquarters in the city.

Referring to Vijayakanth’s conduct during their heated exchange in the assembly, Jayalalithaa had remarked that the DMDK’s good times “have ended and it will now be a downslide”.

- times of india