CHENNAI: The AIADMK plunged into fresh turmoil on Sunday after former minister C Ve Shanmugam rallied 36 newly elected MLAs against party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, triggering a rebellion that threatened to split the party following another electoral setback.
Dissidents accused Palaniswami, also known as EPS, of taking unilateral decisions and pursuing self-interest over the AIADMK's survival. The AIADMK contested the elections as part of the NDA and secured 47 seats, while the alliance won 53 seats, with the BJP contributing one seat.
Rebel functionaries have planned a press conference on Monday to announce their next move. A leader from the Shanmugam camp said, 'EPS is not taking decisions for the welfare of the AIADMK but for his self-interest.'
The crisis unfolded as Tamil Nadu grappled with a fractured mandate. According to party sources, Shanmugam and former minister SP Velumani had explored a post-poll tie-up with Vijay's TVK as the latter appeared short of a majority. Meanwhile, EPS was simultaneously pursuing support from the DMK, sources said.
Palaniswami held a closed-door meeting with AIADMK MLAs after their return from a Puducherry resort, then posted a cryptic message on X congratulating 'a party that will form the govt,' fuelling speculation that attempts to secure DMK backing had collapsed. Hours later, Shanmugam and 35 MLAs assembled at his residence for strategy talks.
Sources said rebel legislators were preparing to support Vijay during a confidence vote and stake claim as the 'real AIADMK' inside the assembly. Shanmugam is eyeing the post of AIADMK legislature party leader. Senior leaders failed to broker peace between the rival camps.
Another source said Shanmugam accused EPS of 'betraying voters' by attempting to seek DMK support through Udhayanidhi Stalin after the AIADMK slipped to third place in the election. Sources said DMK chief MK Stalin had floated the possibility of supporting an AIADMK-led government during consultations with allies, including the CPI, CPM, and VCK.
