Is AIADMK heading for another split? Members divided over support to Vijay's TVK, some MLAs want Edappadi to step down

A few MLAs called for Edappadi K Palaniswami to step down following the party's poor electoral performance.

The recent election defeat of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu's assembly polls resulted in the brewing of an internal rift within the party, as MLAs stand divided over extending support to the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

Many signs pointed against party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also remained visible.

Following the declaration of the poll results, many MLA meetings chaired by Palaniswami were held.

According to PTI reports, as one section of the party strongly opposed to the chances of extending support to the TVK in formation of government, another section endorsed providing outside support to the party.

A few MLAs also called for Edappadi K Palaniswami to step down following the party's poor electoral performance.

Several veterans and former ministers, including S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, along with their supporting MLAs, did not attend the meetings chaired by Palaniswami.

Earlier on 9 May, DH reported that the MLAs, who were lodged in a luxurious resort in the neighbouring Puducherry for three days, returned to Chennai and attended a meeting chaired by party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Of the 47 MLAs, about five were absent from the meeting.

Palaniswami was stonewalling the proposal to extend support, saying TVK leader C Joseph Vijay should reach out to him directly and that he won't even consider such a proposal till then.

PTI quoted party insiders, saying that Shanmugam, Velumani and their supporters showing interest in backing the ruling party.

"There is a clear split within the party. Many MLAs want a change in leadership. If Palaniswami continues as a leader, there is a possibility of some MLAs extending support to the TVK," said former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy.

He added that Palaniswami should "voluntarily step down" from the party's top role so that it can rejoin and tackle the next election.

The AIADMK contested 167 out of 234 constituencies, and they were able to secure only 47 seats.

AIADMK members appear in two groups

The newly elected members of the AIADMK came to the oath-taking event for the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday as two groups, apparently indicating a rift in the party, post the April Assembly election.

A group of MLA-designate including former state ministers: K P Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram, accompanied party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to the Assembly to officially take oath as MLA.

Another group under former state minister S P Velumani and accompanied by former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar arrived shortly thereafter.

Normally, the AIADMK members assemble at the entrance of the Assembly House and enter as a single entity. But today, they presented a picture of contrast.

Following the party's dismal performance in the April 23 Assembly election, managing to win only 47 seats, there have been rumblings within AIADMK seeking a change of guard.