Chennai, Oct 13:
Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan has claimed that another 15 legislators from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will leave the party, indicating that the political upheaval within the principal Opposition party could continue.
The claim comes amid continuing uncertainty over the AIADMK’s strength and internal unity following the 2026 Assembly election and the subsequent political developments that saw a section of its legislators support the government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Sengottaiyan, who moved from the AIADMK to the TVK before the Assembly election, has repeatedly predicted further defections from his former party.
His latest assertion points to the possibility of additional political realignments that could affect the AIADMK’s position in the Assembly. However, the reported claim of 15 legislators leaving the party remains Sengottaiyan’s prediction; there has been no independent confirmation that all the legislators concerned have decided to defect.
The AIADMK has faced a difficult period following the election, in which the TVK emerged as the largest party and formed the government with support from other parties. Differences over the leadership and the party’s response to the new government have added to the challenges confronting the AIADMK.
The division became particularly evident during the Assembly proceedings on the confidence motion. A section of AIADMK legislators supported the TVK government, while another group opposed it. The split triggered further political tensions and questions over the party’s ability to maintain discipline among its elected representatives.
The dispute subsequently spilled over into the Assembly, where Sengottaiyan and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami were involved in a heated exchange over vacancies caused by legislators’ resignations. Sengottaiyan pressed for elections to be held in vacant constituencies, while Palaniswami raised concerns about how public grievances would be addressed in the absence of elected representatives.
The AIADMK’s internal problems have also acquired significance because of the potential consequences for the Opposition’s ability to challenge the government. Further resignations or defections could change the party’s legislative strength and affect its political bargaining power.
Sengottaiyan has expressed confidence in Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s leadership and defended his own decision to join the TVK. He has also criticised Palaniswami’s leadership, arguing that the AIADMK would struggle to regain electoral success under the present leadership.