Cracks within the AIADMK have now come out into the open after the party’s poor showing in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Reports claim that a sizable section of the MLAs and ex-ministers is now openly demanding that EPS, the president of the party, resign from his post. Although he is under intense pressure to quit, EPS apparently does not seem to be inclined towards doing so, and a standoff situation is emerging within the party.
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The rebellion appears to be coalescing around senior leader CV Shanmugam. It is understood that several legislators have informed EPS that his leadership is no longer tenable after four consecutive electoral failures. The partyโs decline has been stark; after losing power in 2021, the AIADMK saw its seat count plummet to just 47 in the recent April polls. This follows a disastrous run in the 2019 and 2024 parliamentary elections, leaving the rank and file demoralised and the leadershipโs strategy under heavy fire.
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The crisis deepened last week when over 30 MLAs, led by Shanmugam, sequestered themselves at a resort in Puducherry. The move sparked intense speculation that the faction was preparing to align with actor-turned-politician Vijayโs Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay, who was sworn in as Chief Minister on Sunday after a spectacular debut, initially fell ten seats short of a majority before securing the support of several smaller parties.
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Efforts by EPS to keep his flock together involved a direct visit to the Puducherry resort, but the divide remains wide. Adding to the volatility are reports of backchannel communications between the DMK and the AIADMK leadership. The rumours have apparently enraged the Shanmugam faction to the extent that they are now considering joining forces with the newly formed TVK administration.
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Also read: CM Joseph Vijay takes oath in TN Assembly
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