Chennai, July 4:
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday signalled the party’s intent to stage a strong political comeback despite recent defections, urging party cadre to ensure victory in the Madurantakam Assembly constituency whenever the by-election is held.
Addressing party functionaries from Chengalpattu district during a district-wise review meeting, Palaniswami called upon grassroots workers to prepare intensively for the anticipated bypoll. His remarks are being interpreted as the clearest indication yet that the AIADMK will actively contest the election, putting to rest speculation that it might boycott the poll citing alleged horse-trading.
The Madurantakam seat was won by the AIADMK in the 2026 Assembly elections, with K. Maragatham Kumaravel securing victory for a second consecutive term. However, Kumaravel was among six AIADMK MLAs who later resigned from the Assembly and joined the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), triggering a by-election.
The party has been grappling with internal turmoil following its defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections. A faction of 25 AIADMK MLAs, led by former ministers S.P. Velumani and C.Ve. Shanmugam, broke ranks with the leadership and extended support to the ruling TVK government. The group subsequently backed the government during the confidence motion in the Assembly.
In response, Palaniswami removed the dissident leaders from their party posts. The rebel faction has since been demanding that the party convene its general and executive council meetings to deliberate on the causes of the electoral setback. However, the AIADMK leadership has opted instead for district-level consultations to review organisational performance and election outcomes.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, the AIADMK won 47 seats, while its alliance secured a total of 52. Following the resignation of six MLAs, the party’s strength in the Assembly has dropped to 41.
With the Madurantakam bypoll expected to serve as a crucial political test, Palaniswami’s call to action underscores the party’s efforts to regain lost ground and reassert its presence in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political landscape.