AIADMK Leadership Conducts District Secretaries Meeting Amid Internal Party Rift
The AIADMK leadership under party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami conducted a major consultation meeting at the party headquarters in Chennai on Tuesday, with more than 80 district secretaries participating amid continuing internal divisions within the party.
The latest update from the AIADMK headquarters comes at a time when differences between the Palaniswami camp and the faction led by senior leaders including C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani have intensified after the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
AIADMK District Secretaries Attend Key Consultation Meeting
The consultation meeting was initially planned at Palaniswami’s residence in Greenways Road but was later shifted to the AIADMK headquarters, MGR Maaligai, in Royapettah. Following the announcement, party cadres gathered in large numbers outside the office from the morning hours.
Police personnel were deployed around the headquarters after reports circulated that supporters of the rival faction could stage protests. The security arrangement remained in place throughout the meeting as senior party functionaries arrived one after another.
According to party leaders, Palaniswami held separate discussions with district secretaries and reviewed the reasons behind the party’s electoral setback. He also discussed organisational restructuring and preparations for future elections.
Palaniswami Reviews Election Defeat and Party Structure
Sources present at the meeting said Palaniswami advised party office-bearers to remain disciplined and avoid activities that could weaken the organisation. He reportedly told district secretaries to focus on strengthening the AIADMK ahead of the next election cycle.
The consultation assumes significance because several senior leaders have openly opposed Palaniswami’s recent organisational decisions. The dispute escalated after some MLAs allegedly voted differently during a no-confidence motion related to the state government.
Following those developments, Palaniswami removed several office-bearers from party posts and appointed new supporters in their place. The rival faction has since questioned those decisions and demanded leadership changes within the AIADMK.
Senior Leaders Issue Official Statement After AIADMK Meeting
Speaking after the meeting, senior AIADMK leader and former minister R.B. Udhayakumar said the district secretaries had expressed full support for the party leadership. He stated that discussions focused on strengthening the AIADMK and bringing the party back to power.
Former minister R. Vaithilingam also confirmed that more than 80 district secretaries attended the consultation. He clarified that there was no discussion regarding the proposed general council meeting during the interaction.
Senior leader Rajan Chellappa later posted on social media that the party would continue to function unitedly under the leadership of Palaniswami and extend cooperation for organisational activities.
Jayakumar Boycotts AIADMK Headquarters Meeting
The absence of former minister D. Jayakumar from the meeting created fresh discussion within AIADMK circles. Jayakumar, who has long been considered close to Palaniswami, has largely stayed away from media interactions after the recent election defeat.
C.V. Shanmugam also did not participate in the consultation meeting. Political observers within the party view the developments as part of the ongoing internal power struggle ahead of future organisational decisions.
The AIADMK leadership consultation has now become a major political talking point in Tamil Nadu, with party unity, district-level support and internal coordination remaining central issues in the latest political developments.