Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Sunday dismissed rumours that his son and former MP P. Raveendranath is planning to join the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), the party recently launched by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
"It’s false information that former MP P. Ravindhranath is going to join actor Vijay's party,” Panneerselvam told news agency ANI.
Panneerselvam, who was a close aide of late former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, was expelled from the AIADMK following a prolonged power struggle with his party colleague Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Panneerselvam is currently an MLA from the Bodinayakkanur assembly constituency in Theni district, while Raveendranath was an MP from Theni.
In July 2023, the Madras High Court declared as null and void the election of Raveendranath after he allegedly suppressed information about his sources of income in the poll affidavit.
The Supreme Court, however, later stayed the high court order.
Speculations about his possible entry to the TVK started doing the rounds after he posted a message on social media congratulating Vijay on beginning his political journey.
"Heartfelt congratulations to the leading actor of Tamil film industry, President of Tamil Nadu Victory Association and beloved brother Mr.Vijay for launching his party's flag in his political journey and I convey my heartiest wishes for the success of his political journey and the success of the work of the people," Raveendranath said on August 22 when the actor-politician unveiled his party’s flag.
The new party, which aims to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, is set to hold its first state conference on October 27.