AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami emphasized unity at a district secretaries’ meeting, while internal moves are ongoing to resolve differences with the dissident faction led by C.Ve. Shanmugam. Senior leaders are working to ease tensions between the two camps to prevent further weakening of the party. Concerns exist that prolonged infighting could benefit political rivals and harm the AIADMK’s future.
C.Ve. Shanmugam has been pushing for an early General Council meeting to address critical issues, including the party’s electoral setbacks. The meeting of district secretaries, called by Palaniswami, saw unexpected changes as it was moved from his residence to the AIADMK headquarters. While EPS loyalists claim a majority attendance, the rival faction asserts significant absences, including that of senior leader D. Jayakumar.
Palaniswami used the meeting to discuss the party’s electoral performance and reassure district secretaries, highlighting AIADMK’s history of overcoming challenges. Meanwhile, Shanmugam engaged with supporting MLAs and office-bearers, expressing readiness for dialogue but stressing the urgency of convening the General Council. Shanmugam also criticized Palaniswami for removing 31 district secretaries and witnessed further organizational changes with the removal of a district secretary.
