AIADMK divided over support to TVK, MLAs demand EPS step down
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Chennai: The AIADMK is witnessing internal divisions following its recent electoral setback, with MLAs split over whether to extend support to the ruling TVK in Tamil Nadu. Signs of dissent and growing pressure against party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami have also emerged within the organisation.
The party, which contested 167 of the 234 Assembly constituencies, managed to win only 47 seats, triggering a round of internal discussions and strategy meetings led by Edappadi K Palaniswami.
According to AIADMK sources, the post-poll meetings have exposed clear differences within the party. While one section of MLAs strongly opposed extending any support to the TVK-led government, another faction has reportedly suggested offering outside support to the Vijay-led party.
At the same time, a section of MLAs has openly called for Edappadi K Palaniswami to step down, citing the party’s poor performance in the elections.
Tensions within the party were further highlighted as several senior leaders and former ministers, including C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani, along with their supporting MLAs, stayed away from meetings chaired by Palaniswami. Party insiders indicated that both leaders and their camps are showing interest in backing the TVK.
“There is a clear split within the party. Many MLAs want a change in leadership. If Palaniswami continues as a leader, there is a possibility of some MLAs extending support to the TVK,” said former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy.
He further suggested that Palaniswami should “voluntarily step down” from the top post to help reunite the party and prepare for the next election.
Political analyst Sathyalaya Ramakrishnan, however, said the differences should be resolved through dialogue and unity within the party. “I feel till now the party is united since all the AIADMK MLAs were sitting together in the Assembly. The senior leaders of the AIADMK must ensure that there is no split in the party,” he said.
With PTI inputs