AIADMK Factions Reconcile After Fortnight of Disagreement

AIADMK factions have reconciled after a fortnight of differences, with rebel leader Velumani affirming unity under Edappadi K Palaniswami. Following a meeting with the AIADMK chief, letters were submitted to the Speaker to confirm the party's united front. Shanmugam, although absent, is said to be supportive.

After two weeks of internal disagreements, the AIADMK party factions have reconciled, with the rebel camp asserting there was never an actual division within the party. Key figures like Edappadi K Palaniswami and S P Velumani worked towards mending the split.

A group of rebel MLAs led by former state minister Velumani visited Palaniswami at his residence in Chennai to convey their support. Although C Ve Shanmugam was not present, Velumani stated he remained an ally. Following this show of unity, Velumani met with Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar.

In a statement to the media, Velumani denied accusations of causing a party split and dismissed claims that his faction backed the TVK government for political gain. He stressed their commitment to unity within AIADMK.

Accompanied by other senior party members, Velumani reaffirmed their solidarity by declaring their intentions to function as a single party within the Assembly, submitting a letter to the Speaker expressing this stance. Vijayabaskar, previously seeking recognition as party whip, withdrew his request.

Velumani emphasised that their differences had been resolved and underscored a collective need to analyze past electoral disappointments through a proposed review committee. With this reconciliation, AIADMK aims to solidify its party strength amidst recent shifts, including a reduction to 43 members due to MLA defections to TVK.