Chennai: A fourth MLA from the AIADMK’s rebel camp has resigned from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, reducing the opposition party’s strength in the 234-member House to 43 from 47.

The latest resignation came from Ambasamudram MLA Esakki Subaya, who submitted his resignation to Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on Tuesday. The Speaker later confirmed that the resignation had been accepted.

Shortly after stepping down, Subaya joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) at its headquarters in Panayur, where he was welcomed by party general secretary and state minister N. Anand. He was also issued a party membership card.

The development follows a series of exits from the AIADMK’s Shanmugam–Velumani-led rebel faction, with three other MLAs having resigned earlier and also joining the ruling TVK. Subaya’s departure marks the fourth such resignation from the group.

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In a related development, senior leaders from the rebel camp, including former ministers Natham R. Viswanathan and P. Thangamani, visited AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday. The purpose of the meeting was not immediately known, fuelling speculation of possible reconciliation between factions.

Another MLA, Balakrishna Reddy, has reportedly returned to the Palaniswami-led faction, further shifting internal party dynamics.

Meanwhile, the Speaker’s handling of the resignations has drawn political attention. The AIADMK has argued that the resignations should not be accepted while disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law remain pending. Party representatives also alleged procedural irregularities and claimed that the MLAs had effectively joined TVK before their resignations were formally processed.

Opposition leaders have raised concerns over what they described as “horse-trading” in the state, while TVK leaders have denied any wrongdoing, insisting the MLAs acted of their own volition.

CPI(M) and VCK leaders, while acknowledging the resignations, said the developments raise questions about political ethics and transparency, even as they refrained from directly attributing illegality.

Speaker Prabhakar, however, maintained that he was acting strictly within the legal framework, stating that resignations are accepted only after verifying procedural compliance.

AIADMK leaders have warned of possible legal action if the Speaker proceeds with acceptance of resignations while anti-defection proceedings are still under consideration.