Chennai, May 13:
Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday launched a strong attack on rebel leaders within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, accusing them of betraying the very party that gave them their political identity.
Reacting to the ongoing rebellion and support extended by a section of AIADMK MLAs to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Palaniswami said those who rose through the party ranks had now turned against its principles and leadership.
The remarks come amid a deepening split within the AIADMK, with a significant number of MLAs backing a rival faction and lending support to the ruling dispensation.
Palaniswami reiterated that the party was built on the legacy of its founding leaders and warned that such actions would not only weaken the organisation but also undermine the trust of party cadre and supporters.
The rebel group is said to have taken the position after internal consultations, with strong criticism of the leadership and concerns over post-poll strategy.
They have also reportedly argued that any alignment with rival parties would contradict the AIADMK’s founding ideological stance, originally shaped by MGR and later strengthened under J Jayalalithaa.
Internal clash over leadership strategy
The dispute has intensified after allegations emerged that discussions were made about a possible political arrangement involving the DMK to install Palaniswami as Chief Minister—claims that triggered strong resistance within the rebel camp.
Leaders such as S P Velumani have publicly denied any intent to weaken or split the party, while simultaneously calling for a broader review of electoral failures and immediate convening of the party’s general council.