Politics – AIADMK Leadership Dispute Deepens Amid Ongoing Internal Consultations
Politics – The internal disagreement within the AIADMK continued to intensify on Friday as rival groups within the party separately approached Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar over the recognition of legislative office-bearers. The dispute revolves around the appointment of the legislature party leader, chief whip and several other positions, with both camps seeking official approval for their respective nominees.
Speaker Reviewing Claims From Both Camps
Speaking to reporters, the Assembly Speaker confirmed that petitions submitted by the two groups are currently under examination. One faction is aligned with party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, while the other is being represented by former minister C Ve Shanmugam. The Speaker stated that an appropriate decision would be taken after reviewing all representations and added that the final announcement would be made in the Assembly.
During the day, former ministers C Ve Shanmugam, R Kamaraj and C Vijaya Baskar met the Speaker and reiterated their request for recognition of the office-bearers backed by their side.
Political Activity Intensifies Across Party Circles
Amid the uncertainty, both Palaniswami and Shanmugam remained engaged in discussions with party workers and senior office-bearers at their respective residences. Meetings reportedly continued throughout the day as supporters from different districts attempted to assess the future direction of the party.
Former minister P Benjamin also attracted attention after recent developments surrounding his position within the organisation. Benjamin, who had been removed from party responsibilities after openly supporting the Shanmugam group, visited the memorial of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday night to offer prayers.
On Friday morning, he later met Palaniswami for discussions. However, Benjamin avoided making any direct statement about whether he would continue with the Shanmugam camp or shift his support.
Local Leaders Express Support for Palaniswami
Several office-bearers from Sholingur in the Ranipet constituency publicly backed Palaniswami and expressed confidence that the current disagreements within the party would soon be resolved. According to local functionaries, the AIADMK leadership assured them that efforts were being made to settle all organisational concerns.
Senior party leader Adhi Rajaram defended the disciplinary actions taken by Palaniswami against some office-bearers. Referring to the party’s history, he recalled that AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran had also removed leaders accused of acting against party interests. Rajaram argued that similar steps taken now were intended to maintain party discipline and unity.
Velumani Criticises Decision-Making Process
Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader S P Velumani, who was elected legislature party leader by the Shanmugam faction, issued a statement criticising the present functioning of the party leadership. His remarks came in response to an official statement released by Palaniswami regarding the ongoing political situation within the organisation.
Velumani acknowledged the campaign efforts made by Palaniswami during the elections but claimed that important decisions, particularly regarding alliances and election strategies, had been taken without broader consultation with party leaders and grassroots workers.
He stated that after the party’s electoral setback, discussions should have been initiated with district secretaries, legislators and other senior figures. According to him, many dedicated workers were dissatisfied with decisions being made without collective consultation.
Debate Over Future Political Strategy
Velumani further claimed that a significant section of AIADMK legislators, district secretaries and cadre favoured supporting the TVK government in accordance with the public mandate delivered during the elections. At the same time, he rejected allegations that his faction was attempting to divide the party.
The ongoing dispute has created uncertainty over the future leadership structure of the AIADMK, with both camps continuing efforts to strengthen support within the organisation. Political observers believe the Speaker’s eventual decision on the recognition of legislative office-bearers could play an important role in shaping the party’s immediate future.