AIADMK Factions Reach Agreement Amidst Internal Disputes

Resolution Among AIADMK Factions

On Wednesday, a reconciliation occurred within the AIADMK as rebel legislators, led by former minister S.P. Velumani, met with party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami at his residence, pledging their support for his leadership. Approximately 13 legislators were present during this meeting. Notably absent was former minister Shanmugam, who had previously urged Velumani and other lawmakers to support the TVK government.

Following the meeting with Palaniswami, Velumani, along with senior leaders including former minister Dr. C. Vijayabhaskar and Agriculture Minister S.S. Krishnamoorthy, approached Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar. They submitted a letter indicating their intention to operate as a united party in the assembly. Vijayabhaskar also retracted his earlier request for recognition as the party whip.

Velumani asserted that there was no division within the party and that differences had been resolved. He clarified that his only aim was to review the party's electoral defeat and refuted claims that he was attempting to secure a position. Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar confirmed that AIADMK legislators had submitted their petitions, which he would review before announcing his decision on Thursday. This development follows weeks of internal strife, as the faction led by C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani had previously supported the TVK government during a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Velumani accused the AIADMK of engaging in 'politics' against the DMK, while the party sought to disqualify 25 rebel legislators for violating EPS's directives.