“AIADMK Is Our Lifeline”: Velumani Rejects Split Rumours After TVK Backing

AIADMK rebel leader S P Velumani on Friday denied attempting to split the party and said the legislators backing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had acted in line with the people’s mandate in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Velumani said the AIADMK must accept its defeat and work towards restoring the “ Amma rule ” associated with former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa .

“ We have no intention of breaking the party or causing a split. We supported TVK while respecting the people’s mandate, ” he said.

Velumani and former minister C Ve Shanmugam had openly defied the party leadership by backing the government headed by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay , fuelling speculation of a possible split within the AIADMK.

However, Velumani asserted that Edappadi K Palaniswami continued as the party’s general secretary and stressed the need to preserve unity.

“ Palaniswami continues to remain the party’s general secretary. The AIADMK is our lifeline, ” he said.

Dismissing rumours of a power-sharing arrangement with the TVK government, Velumani said neither he nor Shanmugam had sought ministerial positions. He added that during Vijay’s visit to Shanmugam’s residence, a memorandum was submitted seeking continuation of AIADMK-era welfare schemes, including Amma Canteens and the gold assistance scheme for brides .

The softer tone from Velumani comes days after coalition allies, including the VCK and Left parties, reportedly objected to TVK accommodating rebel AIADMK MLAs.

Leaders from the rival AIADMK faction loyal to Palaniswami maintained that supporting the ruling party amounted to a violation of party discipline and warned against moves that could weaken the organisation.