Chennai: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam plunged deeper into crisis on Tuesday after its legislature party split into two rival camps amid growing political instability in Tamil Nadu. One faction continued under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, while the rival group led by SP Velumani and C V Shanmugam openly declared support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government led by Vijay, The New Indian Express reported.
The rebellion exposed serious cracks within the AIADMK leadership after senior leaders accused Palaniswami of considering an arrangement with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to make him Chief Minister. According to C V Shanmugam, the proposal shocked many AIADMK MLAs because the party and the DMK had remained bitter political rivals for more than five decades. Several legislators reportedly refused to accept any understanding with the DMK.
The Velumani-Shanmugam faction said the AIADMK must respect the people’s mandate and support the Vijay-led government instead of entering into political compromises that could weaken the party further. The group also demanded that Palaniswami immediately convene the party’s general council meeting to take corrective measures and address growing dissatisfaction within the organisation.
As part of the reshuffle within the legislature party, SP Velumani was elected leader while G Hari was chosen as deputy leader. Leaders of the rebel faction insisted they were not attempting to split the AIADMK but were acting to protect the party after repeated electoral defeats and mounting internal unrest.
The dramatic split has intensified uncertainty over the future of one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential Dravidian parties.