Another Split In AIADMK? Majority MLAs Back Velumani For Legislature Party leader, 17 Support EPS

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 20:38 IST

AIADMK faces another split as C V Shanmugam camp backs S P Velumani and support to Vijay’s TVK, while 17 MLAs back Edappadi K Palaniswami, raising anti defection law stakes

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), already reeling from its crushing defeat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, now appears headed for yet another split.

Nearly 30 AIADMK MLAs of C. V. Shanmugam camp have reportedly submitted a petition to the Protem Speaker seeking recognition of S P Velumani as the Legislature Party leader, while 17 MLAs backed former chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami through a separate letter.

The Shanmugam camp is understood to be in favour of extending support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

If Shanmugam manages to secure the support of two-thirds of the AIADMK MLAs, his faction could claim legitimacy as the “real" AIADMK. Alternatively, if the group decides to merge with the TVK, the MLAs may be able to retain their Assembly membership under provisions of the anti-defection law.

Also Read | Palaniswami Vs Shanmugam Is Not The First Leadership Crisis In AIADMK: The Previous Splits Explained

Speculation over a growing rift within the party intensified after newly elected AIADMK MLAs arrived at the oath-taking ceremony of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday in two separate groups.

A group of MLA-designate, including former state ministers, K P Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram, accompanied party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to the Assembly to officially take oath as MLA.

Another group under former state minister S P Velumani and accompanied by former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar arrived shortly thereafter. Former minister C V Shanmugam could not make it on time. This group had earlier skipped the meetings chaired by Palaniswami.

Following the party’s dismal performance in the April 23 Assembly election, there have been rumblings within AIADMK seeking a change of guard.

Having contested 167 out of 234 constituencies, the party was able to secure only 47 seats.

A few MLAs have demanded that Edappadi K Palaniswami step down following the party’s poor electoral performance.

However, AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya has dismissed reports of a crisis in the party, asserting that it remains intact and focused on public welfare. The Ambasamudram legislator addressed speculations regarding dissatisfaction among party ranks.

“Everything is going well within the party. “No one can break the party," the former minister said.

Subaya maintained that the party is functioning smoothly and denied rumours of widespread discontent. “Everything is going well within the party. There is no such thing as dissatisfaction," he stated.

When questioned about potential changes to the party leadership, the MLA brushed aside the suggestions, noting that such discussions were merely debates and not reflective of immediate reality.

News india Another Split In AIADMK? Majority MLAs Back Velumani For Legislature Party leader, 17 Support EPS

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