The AIADMK's efforts to rebuild the organization after the 'unification' of rebel MLAs are facing a dual challenge. The departure of senior leaders to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and friction between re-inducted leaders and newly appointed functionaries have emerged as significant obstacles.
Resistance from Rebel MLAs
Newly appointed district secretaries are encountering resistance from rebel MLAs who wield more influence in their regions. A functionary from Pudukottai noted that the MLAs are not cooperating. Former minister C Vijayabaskar, who supported the TVK government during the trust vote, continues to hold meetings with his supporters. Vijayabaskar was among the 30 district secretaries removed by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) for backing TVK.
Although the rebel MLAs reconciled with EPS, they were not reinstated to party posts. Many operate independently, breaking the chain of command at the district level.
Coimbatore Example
In Coimbatore, newly appointed district secretary S M Velusamy assumed charge on Sunday, but senior leader S P Velumani, who was sacked, stayed away. Velusamy stated he had invited Velumani, but the latter expressed his inability to attend. Velusamy's supporters also skipped the event. Appealing for unity, Velusamy urged cadres to stop targeting rebels on social media.
The situation is similar in other districts, according to an AIADMK leader from Chennai.
Exit of Regional Power Centres
The recent exit of regional power centres such as Udumalai K Radhakrishnan and M S M Anandan from Tiruppur, Kadambur C Raju from Thoothukudi, and M C Sampath from Cuddalore has further dented the party's organizational strength. These departing leaders have taken a sizeable section of cadres and local functionaries, weakening the district-level structure.
A senior AIADMK functionary in Tirupur noted that cadres are morally down due to internal fights, and more functionaries may leave in the coming days. Some are waiting until local body elections.
Struggling New Functionaries
EPS appointed his supporters to replace sacked district secretaries, but the new functionaries struggle to inspire demoralized cadres. For instance, former MP C Sivasamy was appointed district secretary of the Tirupur suburban unit, considered a low-profile leader compared to Udumalai Radhakrishnan and MSM Anandan. A Tirupur functionary remarked that Sivasamy is experienced but has been away from active politics for several years, making rebuilding a tough task.
