C. Mahendran Leaves CPI to Join Ruling Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi

Former CPI Leader C. Mahendran Joins TVK

Chennai: Former CPI State deputy secretary C. Mahendran officially joined the ruling Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The TVK is led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Explaining his decision, Mr. Mahendran stated, “I joined the party because it is committed to eradicating corruption.”

Once a prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (CPI) and editor of its literary magazine Thamarai, Mr. Mahendran had been relegated to the status of an honorary member following allegations of irregularities. He had not held any official position in the CPI since 2023.

According to R. Mutharasan, a former State secretary of the CPI, Mr. Mahendran was removed from all party positions during a State council meeting in Salem in 2023. The allegations against him revolved around his alleged association with a group attempting to take control of the New Century Book House (NCBH), a publishing house managed by the CPI. “There was an attempt to take over the institution, but we managed to save the book house in time,” Mr. Mutharasan said.

Although there was a proposal to revoke Mr. Mahendran’s primary membership, he was ultimately allowed to remain an honorary member. Questioning his recent political move, Mr. Mutharasan remarked, “If a person is unable to work within the Communist Party [of India], a movement dedicated to the welfare of the poor, how will he be able to work for the TVK?”

Mr. Mahendran’s entry into the TVK aligns with the ruling party’s efforts to expand its support base by bringing in leaders from diverse political backgrounds. Reacting to the development, CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian emphasized the party’s respect for individual freedom. “They are free to continue their journey with the party. If they wish to leave, they are equally free to do so,” he said.

Mr. Veerapandian also highlighted a key principle of CPI membership, stating that every member pledges to prioritize the party’s interests over personal ones and to place the nation’s welfare above all.