AIADMK: A House Divided - Internal Turmoil and Leadership Struggles

The AIADMK faces an internal conflict with Edappadi K Palaniswami meeting district secretaries over the rift, while factions led by S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam consider legal action. Both factions engage in a struggle for legislative power amidst a backdrop of recent government confidence votes.

The AIADMK is currently embroiled in internal strife as party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami convened with new district secretaries to chart the party's future amid ongoing tensions. A rival faction, led by S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, convened their own meeting to explore legal options, reflecting the deep divisions within the party.

This rift follows Palaniswami's removal of senior leaders Velumani, Shanmugam, and C Vijayabaskar from party positions after a controversial cross-vote in the TVK government's confidence initiative, which the ruling party won. Currently, Palaniswami retains the support of 22 MLAs, while the Velumani-Shanmugam faction is backed by 25 legislators.

Both groups have initiated measures to disqualify the other's MLAs under the anti-defection law in relation to the floor test vote. While Palaniswami has urged the newly appointed district secretaries to unify against the opposition faction, Leema Rose Martin of the Velumani group emphasized efforts toward reuniting the party. Former minister K C Veeramani called for a general council meeting to address the poll setback, reaffirming support for Palaniswami's leadership.