AIADMK Faction Feud Ends; EPS, Velumani Sort Out 'Differences'

AIADMK’s internal feud has ended after Edappadi Palaniswami and SP Velumani groups agreed to work together again. The move has cleared confusion over the post of AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. The reconciliation has also changed the strength of the party in the Assembly. Leaders now claim the party is ready to act as a more organised opposition.

The truce became public when MLAs from both sides went to the Speaker’s office together. They withdrew earlier letters that had sparked the leadership clash and disqualification threat. A fresh joint request named Edappadi Palaniswami as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. The same letter proposed Agri Krishnamoorthy for the Chief Whip post.

AIADMK leadership battle and MLA numbers

The dispute began after the Assembly election, where AIADMK won 47 constituencies and moved into the opposition. Instead of closing ranks, the party slipped into two camps. One group was led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam. The other stood with Edappadi Palaniswami. Each side wanted control over the legislature party.

SP Velumani’s side, with 25 MLAs, sent a letter asking the Speaker to recognise SP Velumani as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. Edappadi Palaniswami’s camp responded with another letter, signed by 22 MLAs, backing Edappadi Palaniswami for the same role. The numbers gave SP Velumani an edge and triggered a sharp reaction from Edappadi Palaniswami.

AIADMK disciplinary action, resignations and DMK factor

Upset by the move, Edappadi Palaniswami removed several SP Velumani camp members from their party posts. He also prepared to seek their disqualification under the anti-defection law. Meanwhile, four MLAs from SP Velumani’s side resigned from their Assembly seats and openly aligned with the DMK. That step increased pressure on both AIADMK groups.

Many in political circles linked the reconciliation to this pressure. Political obsevers say that the DMK’s political play, along with those resignations, pushed both factions to soften stands. Leaders from both camps then started quiet talks to avoid further damage.

AIADMK backchannel talks and key meetings

The back channel talks were done without media attention. Senior leader Natham Viswanathan from the SP Velumani camp met Edappadi Palaniswami first. That opening contact set the tone for compromise. The next day, SP Velumani’s team, including several former Ministers, went to Edappadi Palaniswami’s residence for detailed discussions.

Among those present were Natham Viswanathan, Thangamani, Kamaraj, K.C. Veeramani, M.R. Vijayabhaskar, C. Vijayabaskar and K.P. Anbazhagan. The meeting signalled that senior figures on both sides were ready to repair ties.

AIADMK reconciliation gaps and questions on CV Shanmugam

Yet, the fresh unity is not without unanswered questions. SP Velumani camp leaders CV Shanmugam and Arulmozhithevan, who had been central figures during the confrontation, stayed away from the compromise meetings. They were also missing when MLAs visited the Secretariat and Speaker JCT Prabhakar together. This absence has sparked new speculation.

Some wonder whether CV Shanmugam still disagrees with the settlement. Others feel the absence could be a personal choice. Party insiders say clarity may emerge later. For now, leaders want to focus on joint action in the Assembly, rather than highlight individual reservations in public.

AIADMK strength in the Assembly

After the reunion, AIADMK’s effective MLA strength now stands at 42. The numbers and key events can be tracked as follows:

The sudden calm within AIADMK has reduced internal uncertainty, at least for now. With Edappadi Palaniswami recognised as Legislature Party Leader and Agri Krishnamoorthy as Chief Whip, the party has settled its immediate leadership dispute. How firmly all senior figures, including CV Shanmugam, remain on board will likely shape AIADMK’s role as the main opposition in the state Assembly.