The internal strife within the AIADMK has intensified, spreading to various district units in Tamil Nadu. Supporters of Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and a rival faction led by former Ministers S.P. Velumani and C.Ve. Shanmugham are locked in a power struggle, resulting in heightened tensions and police intervention in multiple locations.
In districts like Villupuram, Cuddalore, Pudukkottai, Karur, and now Dindigul, clashes have erupted as rival groups vie for control of the party offices. The conflict in Dindigul, involving influential leaders Natham Viswanathan and Dindigul Srinivasan, arose after EPS ousted district-level functionaries aligned with the rebel faction, leading to a direct confrontation.
Natham Viswanathan has sided with the Velumani-Shanmugham faction, while Dindigul Srinivasan remains loyal to EPS. The situation escalated when Viswanathan’s supporters sought police protection to access the district office, countered by Srinivasan’s backers, resulting in police sealing off the premises to prevent any potential unrest.
Srinivasan, in a meeting with his supporters, reiterated EPS’s position as the undisputed party leader, recognized by the AIADMK general council. Addressing concerns about rebel MLAs, he indicated that legal procedures would determine their fate, hinting at impending action against them. Meanwhile, the Velumani-Shanmugham group is mobilizing for an emergency general council meeting to challenge the existing leadership structure, garnering support from a reported 1,000 members.
