AIADMK Faces Renewed Internal Turmoil Amid Calls for Unity

The AIADMK, once regarded as the strongest of the Dravidian parties and a formidable political force under the leadership of the late J. Jayalalithaa, continues to grapple with internal divisions and waning public confidence.

Following Jayalalithaa’s death, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) assumed the role of Chief Minister. Soon after, fissures within the party began to surface. Jayalalithaa’s long-time confidante V.K. Sasikala and her nephew T.T.V. Dhinakaran were expelled, followed later by O. Panneerselvam (OPS), once considered a loyalist.

In recent weeks, fresh discord has emerged. Former minister C. Ve. Shanmugam Sengottaiyan publicly urged leaders to unite, giving EPS a ten-day deadline to initiate reconciliation. He warned that failure to act would compel like-minded members to chart their own course. His remarks led to his removal from party posts, prompting him to travel to Delhi, where he met with Union ministers. Reports also suggested that Sengottaiyan had held discussions with T.T.V. Dhinakaran, now heading the AMMK, though he denied the claim, stating that he was in Chennai attending to his wife’s medical treatment.

Sengottaiyan further asserted that several current AIADMK ministers support him, though he declined to reveal names. This has fueled speculation about the identity of potential allies within the party ranks.

Attention has turned toward D. Jayakumar, a former minister and vocal critic of the AIADMK–BJP alliance. Jayakumar had previously blamed the BJP for his defeat in the 2021 assembly elections and has since distanced himself from party activities, refusing to participate in AIADMK programs. Observers suggest that Jayakumar could be among those extending quiet support to Sengottaiyan.

The developments highlight the continued uncertainty surrounding AIADMK’s leadership and cohesion as the party struggles to reclaim its once-unified image in Tamil Nadu politics.