AIADMK faces internal dissent as two MLAs skip Palaniswami's meeting

Tamil Nadu AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami convened a consultative meeting in Chennai to review party organisation ahead of local body elections. Two senior MLAs – S M Sukumar of Arcot and K C Veeramani of Jolarpettai – were absent. Both had previously been stripped of district‑secretary posts after crossing over to vote for the ruling TVK government in the May 13 floor test.

Sukumar told reporters his absence was “strictly a party internal affair” and declared, “I would rather go to the graveyard than join a different party,” stressing his loyalty. Veeramani, who did not respond, had earlier sent a letter with other former office‑bearers demanding reinstatement to their previous posts. The party had offered Sukumar a deputy secretary role for propaganda and Veeramani an organisation secretary post, but both declined. Palaniswami warned that the TVK government might not complete its term and urged party cadres to prepare for the upcoming civic polls.

The episode adds to a wave of resignations, with several rebel MLAs already joining the ruling TVK, and fuels speculation of a renewed crisis within the AIADMK.