The Edappadi K. Palaniswami camp within AIADMK is not pushing for an immediate general council meeting, while the rival faction led by C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani is gaining strength, intensifying pressure on the party leadership. The rebel group has garnered signatures from almost 40% of the general council members and is gearing up to formally request a special meeting soon. This development poses a significant challenge to Palaniswami’s control over the party.
Senior party sources revealed that instead of calling for a general council meeting, the Palaniswami camp is focusing on stabilizing the party structure post recent disciplinary actions and organizational changes. Allegedly, members who had supported the rebels earlier are now receiving letters from the Palaniswami camp asking them to invalidate their previous signatures, citing the lack of an official party announcement.
A senior AIADMK leader mentioned that the rebel faction has surpassed the required number for seeking a special general council meeting, indicating an imminent move to exert pressure on the leadership. These developments unfold against the backdrop of the recent Assembly floor test controversy, where some AIADMK legislators reportedly voted against the party whip in favor of the ruling TVK government.
To strengthen his grip on the party, Palaniswami has removed 26 district secretaries, including former ministers and MLAs, and appointed 17 new office-bearers. Recent reports suggest that he further reshuffled by removing two more district secretaries. Meanwhile, petitions filed by both AIADMK factions seeking each other’s disqualification are under review by Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, who will decide after a thorough examination.
Political analysts anticipate crucial days ahead to determine whether Palaniswami can consolidate his authority or if the internal challenge escalates into a broader organizational conflict within AIADMK.
