Cracks Surface in AIADMK as Edappadi K Palaniswami Faces Leadership Questions

The AIADMK is facing growing internal strain after its poor performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with divisions emerging over whether the party should support the ruling TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay .

The AIADMK, which contested 167 of the 234 seats, won only 47 in the April 23 elections. Following the defeat, meetings chaired by party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) reportedly exposed differences within the organisation.

According to party sources, one faction opposed extending support to TVK, while another argued the party missed a political opportunity by not engaging with Vijay after the fractured verdict. Leaders favouring cooperation believe even outside support or a public statement backing stable governance could have strengthened the new government while giving AIADMK greater political relevance despite its reduced strength.

Some MLAs have also reportedly demanded that EPS step down , blaming him for the electoral setback. Former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy claimed there was a “ clear split ” in the party and urged EPS to “ voluntarily step down ” to help reunify the organisation.

The divisions became visible during the oath-taking ceremony of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday when AIADMK legislators arrived in two separate groups instead of entering together as is customary.

One group led by EPS, along with former ministers K P Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram , arrived first, while another faction led by S P Velumani and Dr C Vijayabaskar entered separately later.

However, AIADMK MLA and former minister Esakki Subaya dismissed reports of a split, saying, “ No one can break the party ,” and termed rumours of infighting “false news.”

An emotional moment unfolded in the Assembly when AIADMK MLA K Mohan broke down before a portrait of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa , affectionately calling her “Amma” before completing his oath.