Tamil Nadu AIADMK leader Palaniswamy refuses to reinstate rebel legislators

AIADMK general secretary K. Palaniswamy said the party will not restore organisational posts to legislators and leaders who defected during the confidence vote after the recent Tamil Nadu assembly election, where the party won only 47 seats. Senior party officials said returning those positions would weaken discipline. The move follows the removal of former minister S. P. Velumani from the chief secretary post and the reversal of positions held by C. V. Shanamugam.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated a two‑day orientation programme for more than half of the newly elected members of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Held in Kalaiwanar Arangam on 16‑17 June, the workshop aims to familiarise legislators with parliamentary procedures, debate etiquette and constituency responsibilities ahead of the assembly’s first session on 18 June.