Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, May 11: Internal differences have reportedly surfaced within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam following its poor performance in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with party MLAs divided over extending support to the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam.
Signs of growing dissatisfaction against AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami have also emerged after the party managed to secure only 47 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
Following the announcement of results, several meetings of AIADMK MLAs were held under the leadership of Palaniswami. However, differences reportedly intensified within the party over the issue of supporting the TVK government.
While one faction strongly opposed any move to back the ruling party, another section favoured extending outside support to TVK.
Some MLAs are also said to have demanded Palaniswami’s resignation, blaming him for the party’s disappointing electoral performance.
Senior leaders and former ministers, including S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, along with their loyalist MLAs, reportedly stayed away from meetings chaired by Palaniswami, further fuelling speculation of a split within the party.
Earlier, AIADMK MLAs who had been staying at a luxury resort in neighbouring Puducherry for three days returned to Chennai and attended a meeting convened by Palaniswami. Of the 47 MLAs, around five reportedly skipped the meeting.
According to party insiders, Palaniswami has opposed any immediate proposal to support TVK, insisting that TVK chief C Joseph Vijay should directly approach him before such a move is even considered.
Sources within the party claimed that Shanmugam, Velumani and their supporters were showing interest in backing the ruling dispensation.
Former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy said there was a clear divide within the party and many MLAs were seeking a change in leadership.
“If Palaniswami continues as leader, there is a possibility of some MLAs extending support to TVK,” he reportedly said, while urging Palaniswami to step down voluntarily so the party could regroup ahead of future elections.
The AIADMK had contested 167 of the 234 Assembly constituencies but managed to win only 47 seats.
Meanwhile, visible signs of division were also noticed during the oath-taking ceremony for the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday.
One group of newly elected AIADMK MLAs, including former ministers KP Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram, accompanied Palaniswami to the Assembly for the swearing-in ceremony.
Another group led by Velumani and accompanied by former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar arrived separately shortly afterwards.
Traditionally, AIADMK legislators enter the Assembly together as a united group. However, Monday’s developments presented a contrasting picture, reflecting the growing unease within the party after its electoral setback.