TVK’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Tactics in Tamil Nadu: AIADMLegislators Resign, By‑elections Loom

Overview The newly formed TVK has adopted a strategy similar to the BJP’s Operation Lotus . Within days of the trust vote, TVK accepted the resignations of four AIADMK legislators and promised them a chance to contest the resulting by‑election . Key Developments Four AIADMK members resigned and were immediately accepted by the Speaker. TVK positioned itself as a “pure force” while facilitating the defections. The resignations occurred just 21 days after the legislators were elected, raising questions of mandate violation. Petitions for disqualification of the rebels were pending when the resignations were processed. TVK’s move mirrors the earlier “ Aaya Ram Gaya Ram ” tactics used by national parties. Important Facts • The resignations were accepted quickly, allowing the rebels to join TVK without a waiting period. • TVK has previously sought support from both the DMK -led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA . • Earlier, TVK tried to poach a lone legislator of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and approached rebel AIADMK leaders before the floor test. UPSC Relevance The episode illustrates several concepts important for GS‑2 (Polity): party defections, the role of the Speaker in accepting resignations, and the impact of coalition politics on legislative stability. It also raises the need for electoral reforms such as a cooling period . Understanding these mechanisms helps candidates analyse the strengths and weaknesses of India’s anti‑defection law (the Tenth Schedule). Way Forward • Parliament may consider amending the Representation of the People Act to introduce a cooling period of at least six months. • State assemblies should tighten rules on immediate re‑contest after resignation to protect the electorate’s mandate. • Political parties need internal democracy to reduce the lure of horse‑trading and maintain coalition stability.