Chennai: The rebel faction of the AIADMK, led by C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani, held a crucial meeting on Thursday as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government proceeded with its cabinet expansion without accommodating the AIADMK MLAs. The 25 MLAs who had supported the TVK government during the May 13 trust vote now find themselves with limited political options.
Political Isolation Deepens
While TVK leader Vijay has indicated no inclination to induct them into the cabinet, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has hardened his stance, refusing to convene a general council meeting as demanded by the rebel faction. The MLAs, who gathered at Shanmugam's office, have yet to decide on their next course of action, according to sources.
Expectations vs Reality
The rebel MLAs, who broke ranks with the party to vote in favor of the TVK government during the confidence motion, had expected six to eight cabinet berths. Vijay had previously called on Shanmugam and thanked the group for their support, fueling speculation about possible ministerial positions. However, Vijay chose to fill the cabinet with his own party members and allies, leaving the AIADMK rebels out.
Constitutional Constraints
The exclusion comes amid constitutional limits on the size of the Tamil Nadu cabinet under Article 164(1A), which permits a maximum of 35 ministers, including the chief minister. With 31 ministers from TVK already inducted and two Congress legislators joining, only two vacancies remain—earmarked for VCK and IUML.
Shrinking Numbers
The meeting convened by Velumani and Shanmugam on Thursday reflected the group's shrinking numbers, as not all 25 rebel MLAs attended. Despite this, leaders from the rebel bloc stated they still insist on convening the party's general council to review the election defeat. The EPS faction, however, remains firm in its refusal.
An AIADMK functionary supporting EPS said, "Those who want to continue in AIADMK have to abide by the words of our leader EPS and return to the party fold. They can continue to raise questions within the party structure instead of violating party diktat. If not, they can choose their own path."
