AIADMK Reunification – Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Reviews Rival Factions’ Merger
AIADMK Reunification – The political landscape in Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant shift on Thursday as the two rival factions within the AIADMK moved closer to formal reunification after withdrawing complaints filed against each other during the recent internal conflict.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J. C. D. Prabhakar confirmed that representatives from both groups had submitted requests seeking the withdrawal of disqualification petitions that emerged during the party dispute. He stated that the submitted documents would be reviewed carefully before any formal decision regarding the merger is announced.
Leadership Talks Pave Way for Reconciliation
The latest development followed several rounds of discussions between senior AIADMK leaders, including General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and influential party figure S. P. Velumani. Party insiders indicated that negotiations intensified over the past few days as efforts were made to end the prolonged division within the organisation.
As part of the reconciliation process, 14 MLAs associated with the Velumani faction travelled together from the residence of senior leader C. V. Shanmugam to meet Palaniswami in Chennai. The meeting is being viewed as a key moment in restoring unity within the party ranks.
Rebel Legislators Seek Return to Party Structure
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the legislators submitted letters expressing regret over the earlier political standoff and requested the restoration of party responsibilities that had reportedly been removed during the split.
Soon after the interaction with Palaniswami, Velumani and the supporting MLAs met Speaker Prabhakar and formally handed over a letter withdrawing their support for the TVK-led government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The coordinated appearance of leaders from both factions at the Speaker’s office later in the day further strengthened speculation that the internal dispute had effectively come to an end.
Fresh Submissions Made Before Speaker
Leaders from both sides also withdrew earlier representations linked to the appointment of the party whip in the Assembly. They informed the Speaker that they intended to function together as a unified legislative group going forward.
Fresh petitions were submitted seeking official recognition of Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party. In addition, the MLAs proposed the appointment of Agri Krishnamoorthy as the party whip in the Assembly.
Sources present during the proceedings said Speaker Prabhakar personally verified the names and attendance of the legislators who submitted the petitions. Each MLA was reportedly identified individually before the documents were accepted for examination.
Questions Continue Over Shanmugam’s Position
Despite visible signs of reconciliation, uncertainty remains surrounding the political future of C.V. Shanmugam within the party structure. Reports suggest he was initially reluctant to participate in discussions with Palaniswami and joined the talks only after persuasion from senior leader P. Thangamani.
Political observers say Shanmugam is currently holding consultations with close supporters at his Chennai residence amid differing opinions within sections of the AIADMK over his possible return to the Palaniswami-led camp.
The Speaker’s final decision regarding the merger is expected to play an important role in shaping the future direction of the party and its position in Tamil Nadu politics ahead of upcoming political developments in the state.