Chennai, May 18:
The internal conflict within the AIADMK has intensified, with a faction led by former ministers C. Ve. Shanmugam and S. P. Velumani stepping up efforts to convene the party’s general council to unseat general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
According to party sources, the Shanmugam–Velumani camp has begun collecting signatures from general council members to demand a meeting. With over 2,500 members in the council, party rules require at least one-fifth support to mandate the general secretary to convene the meeting.
However, Palaniswami is reportedly reluctant to call the session, aware that such a gathering could trigger a leadership challenge. If he refuses after a formal request is submitted, the issue may escalate into a legal battle.
Under AIADMK rules, the general council can also be convened by the presidium chairman A. Thamizhmahan Hussain in the absence of the general secretary. This provision could become crucial if the standoff continues.
Tensions have further escalated after Palaniswami removed Shanmugam and 26 others from their posts as district secretaries.
These positions are key, as candidates contesting for the general secretary post must be proposed and seconded by district secretaries—indicating that the rival camp may field a candidate against him.
The party has effectively split into two camps following its Assembly election defeat. The Shanmugam–Velumani faction had earlier pushed for a post-poll alliance with the ruling party led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, a proposal rejected by Palaniswami.
The divisions became evident during a no-confidence motion in the Assembly, where around 25 MLAs aligned with the rival faction supported the government, while those loyal to Palaniswami opposed it.
Both factions have approached Assembly Speaker J. C. D. Prabhakar, seeking recognition as the official AIADMK group. A decision is still pending, which could significantly influence the party’s future direction.
With internal divisions widening and a potential leadership challenge looming, the AIADMK faces a critical phase. The outcome of the general council standoff and the Speaker’s decision could reshape the party’s structure and political relevance in Tamil Nadu.