Ten DMDK rebels who had recently deserted the Vijayakanth-led party, seven former district secretaries and three MLAs, have joined hands with the DMK after discussions with M Karunanidhi on Monday at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. They had earlier announced the formation of a front called the Makkal-DMDK.

Talking to the reporters, Chandrakumar, one of the rebels, said, “Tamil Nadu needs a change and that can be only be given by the DMK party. We have decided to join DMK.”

Asked about seat-sharing, he said that Karunanidhi told that even though they are joining the party late, their request will be considered. “We will take how many ever seats the party gives us. We will be meeting DMK on Tuesday then the final decisions will be taken,” he said.

DMK treasurer MK Stalin told the reporters in Chennai that DMDK rebels are extending their unconditional support to the DMK party and the talks are going on between both the parties.

DMK and DMDK-rebels will be meeting on Tuesday for further discussions. According to sources, the DMDK rebels have asked for three seats for the elections. 

On April 5, 2016, they had called for a press conference and wanted Vijayakanth to reconsider allying with People’s Welfare Front (PWF). “We want our captain to re-think on his decision with PWF. The decision taken by DMDK is suicidal. We will only loose and AIADMK will win," Chandrakumar had said.

On the same day, DMDK rebels were expelled from the party by DMDK chief Vijayakanth. On Sunday, the rebels formed a new party called the ‘Makkal DMDK front’.