CHENNAI:Downplaying the exodus of key functionaries of the MDMK in the last few days, party general secretary Vaiko on Saturday defended his decision not to align with either the DMK or AIADMK for the 2016 Assembly elections. Maintaining that the cadre base of the party remained intact, he said only a few power-hungry people had deserted the party. Vaiko denied the allegation of those functionaries who had joined DMK that he had made a U-turn after promising to align with DMK.