AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Thursday rushed to Puducherry to hold an emergency consultative meeting with his party’s newly elected MLAs. The shift to the neighbouring Union territory marks the return of "resort politics," reminiscent of the infamous 2017 Koovathur incident.
Tamil Nadu's Hung Assembly Situation
Tamil Nadu is grappling with a hung assembly after the election. Actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) holds 108 seats, just 10 short of the 118 required for a simple majority. With the AIADMK securing 53 seats, the party has unexpectedly become the ultimate "Kingmaker."
EPS's Strategy to Prevent Poaching
To safeguard his flock from potential poaching attempts by either the TVK or the DMK, EPS has directed his MLAs to report at a resort in Puducherry. Political observers said the resort meeting isn't just about protection, it’s about resolving a deep internal divide. Led by former minister C V Shanmugam, a segment of the party believes the AIADMK should support the TVK to ensure the DMK remains out of power. EPS rejected the idea.
Parallels to 2017 Koovathur Crisis
The current situation draws inevitable parallels to the 2017 Koovathur crisis. Following late chief minister AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa’s passing and former chief minister O Panneerselvam’s rebellion, V K the Sasikala (Jayalalithaa’s close aide) camp moved more than 120 MLAs to a resort to secure the govt for EPS. Nine years later, EPS is the one orchestrating the move, using the same tactics to maintain party unity.
Security and Individual Meetings
Access to the Puducherry resort is strictly restricted, and security has been tightened to prevent "horse-trading." EPS is expected to meet with the MLAs individually to gauge their loyalty and address their concerns. His decision, whether to offer external support to Vijay, form a different coalition, or remain in the opposition, will determine who takes the oath as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
As history comes full circle, the political journey that began for EPS in a resort in Koovathur now finds its most critical crossroad in a resort in Puducherry.
