Grapevine has it that the former Congress functionary, who is believed to have sent feelers to the AIADMK camp recently, might have received a favourable response from the ruling dispensation. The surprise birthday greeting from Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to Thiyagarajan a few days ago has lent credence to the rumours about the latter’s ‘return’ to the AIADMK. 

The former Chennai Deputy Mayor, who was ousted from Congress over a year ago, could prove to be ideal cannon fodder for Palaniswami to take on his rival MK Stalin of DMK. It has been strongly rumoured that Thiyagarajan might either be accommodated in the AIADMK or asked to do what he has been doing best of late — criticising Stalin and his DMK in public. 

Thiyagarajan has often proved to be a nuisance for both the DMK and its ally Congress. A reticent Thiyagarajan has denied reports about joining the AIADMK when DT Next posed the query to him. 

However, sources in the Congress camp said that Thiyagarajan was keen on returning to AIADMK in the event of actor Rajinikanth deferring or giving up his political plans.

Likewise, some seniors in the AIADMK were also said to believe that the ‘outspoken’ former Congressman could serve as a loose cannon for creating bad press for the rival Stalin camp.