The internal political turmoil within the AIADMK deepened on Wednesday as party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed rebel leaders from their party positions. Those removed included SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, who had supported Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on the assembly floor during a trust vote, according to PTI.
Background of the Disciplinary Action
The disciplinary action followed an open rebellion within the party after the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. A section of AIADMK legislators accused Palaniswami of weakening the party’s traditional anti-DMK stance and allegedly exploring an understanding with the DMK to prevent Vijay from coming to power.
The Trust Vote Episode
The revolt became visible during Vijay’s trust vote, where rebel AIADMK MLAs supported the TVK-led government, helping it secure a majority in the 234-member Assembly. This move triggered a wider leadership battle within the AIADMK, with dissenting leaders demanding organisational changes and the return of expelled leaders to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Impact on Party Unity
The removal of senior leaders has further deepened the factionalism within the AIADMK, which has been grappling with internal dissent since its electoral performance. The party now faces the challenge of unifying its ranks to present a cohesive opposition in the state.
