Leadership battle erupts in AIADMK after Tamil Nadu election defeat shakes party unity

Chennai: The AIADMK is witnessing growing internal instability following its disappointing performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the party slipped to third place with just 47 seats. The setback has intensified discussions over leadership direction and future strategy within the organisation.

The defeat has weakened Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s position, as he lost his role as Leader of Opposition, while simultaneously triggering competing consultations among senior leaders and MLAs.

Reports indicate that MLAs were recently accommodated at a private hotel in Puducherry, while senior leader C. V. Shanmugam held separate rounds of closed-door discussions with legislators and district secretaries. These parallel meetings have fuelled speculation of emerging factions within the party.

Political observers say the situation reflects growing differences between camps aligned with EPS and Shanmugam. In one instance, MLAs attended a consultation meeting at EPS’s residence to discuss election results and alliance strategies. Soon after, another meeting was held at Shanmugam’s Chennai residence, reportedly attended by around 37 MLAs.

Further meetings continued over the weekend, with leaders shifting between both camps, adding to confusion about internal loyalties. Senior figures such as S. P. Velumani, K. C. Veeramani and others were reportedly seen engaging with both groups at different points.

At a separate EPS-led meeting at Greenways Road residence, several district secretaries participated, though reports suggested limited MLA attendance, further highlighting the uncertainty over support strength.

When asked about the developments, C. V. Shanmugam responded briefly, saying, “Wait and see,” adding to the political ambiguity within the party.

Amid the speculation, former MLA Manimekalai publicly backed EPS, stating that he remains the only capable leader to steer the party forward and insisting there is no need for his resignation. She also expressed confidence that the party would regroup and revive its electoral strength in the coming period.

Detailed factual body

The internal dynamics of the AIADMK have entered a sensitive phase following its electoral setback, with competing leadership meetings indicating possible realignment within the party structure. The presence of separate consultations led by EPS and Shanmugam reflects ongoing attempts by different groups to consolidate influence among MLAs and district-level functionaries.

With 47 MLAs and 82 district secretaries, the party’s internal balance is currently unclear, and political observers note that continued parallel meetings could influence future organisational decisions, including leadership roles and alliance positioning.

While no formal split or official faction declaration has been made, the ongoing developments suggest a period of transition and uncertainty for the party as it reassesses its electoral strategy and internal unity following the defeat.
(With IANS inputs)