AIADMK factions move toward reconciliation as resignations cut party to 43 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu is seeking to mend a weeks‑long split between the Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) faction and the SP Velumani/C V Shanmugam bloc. Both sides have withdrawn the letters they had filed with Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar, ending petitions that sought a new party leader and action under the anti‑defection law. Several rebel MLAs have resigned and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reducing AIADMK’s strength in the 234‑member assembly to 43 members and creating five vacant seats. Speaker Prabhakar said he will review the petitions, noting, “I cannot disclose the contents of the petitions … I will go through the petition in detail and let you know about my decision tomorrow morning.” A few remaining legislators, such as MLA P Balakrishna Reddy, have submitted apology letters supporting EPS. The party’s leadership invoked former chief J Jayalalithaa’s legacy, urging unity as the internal crisis eases.