AIADMK leaders challenge Edappadi K Palaniswami leadership

Senior AIADMK leaders, including former ministers SP Velumani and CVe Shanmugam, are intensifying efforts to challenge the leadership of General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Following the party’s third-place finishes in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections, a group of disgruntled leaders held discussions at Velumani’s residence in Chennai to plan a response to the recent electoral setbacks.

The dissenting faction is reportedly seeking to convene a General Council meeting to review the party’s performance and demand organizational changes. This movement follows a period of internal instability where 25 MLAs led by Velumani extended support to the TVK during a confidence vote, resulting in the resignation of six MLAs.

While Palaniswami has previously removed some opponents from party posts, the dissenters are now attempting to consolidate dissatisfied leaders and MLAs to pressure the leadership for a course correction. The group is also reportedly engaging with MLAs who are considering joining the TVK as well as those currently supporting Palaniswami.