AIADMK Veteran Semmalai Resigns From Party

Veteran AIADMK leader S Semmalai on Monday announced his resignation from the party, citing deep disappointment over the growing internal rift and the lack of opportunities following the demise of late chief minister J Jayalithaa.

In his resignation letter, he expressed anguish over the party's recent developments. "The events that have unfolded in the AIADMK since the elections have caused great anguish, a sentiment shared by lakhs of cadres who have dedicated themselves to this movement."

"None of the incidents that have happened or are happening, is satisfying," he said, asking "Is this the fate of the movement created by revolutionary leader MGR and nurtured by Amma (Jayalithaa)?" According to him, the party's situation has deteriorated to a point where even media reports mock the internal fighting. Alleging that he was sidelined after Jayalalithaa's death, Semmalai said, "I was blocked. However, I continued to work obediently without expressing my feelings." "Given the current circumstances, my mind does not permit me to continue in the movement," he added.

Semmalai also recalled that late party founder MGR and Jayalalithaa had given him numerous opportunities and helped him rise as a "shining star in the political arena". "With a heavy heart, I have decided to resign from my position and from the party," he added.

Semmalai served as the state Minister for Health and Education from 2001 to 2004. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Taramangalam constituency as an Independent candidate in 1980 and later joined the AIADMK at a very young age. Semmalai emerged as one of the leaders who openly opposed the distribution of freebies by major political parties, advocating alternative measures to strenghten the state's financial position.