AIADMK Internal Rift Deepens as Pressure Builds Over Support to Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu

Political activity intensified sharply in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday as internal divisions within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) surfaced over whether the party should extend support to C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections.

TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the 118-seat majority mark, leaving government formation dependent on post-poll alliances and negotiations with other political parties.

According to sources, a section of newly elected AIADMK legislators and senior leaders has begun pressing party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) to reconsider the party’s current alliance strategy. The group is reportedly urging the leadership to break away from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and explore the possibility of extending outside support to TVK.

The leaders backing this proposal believe that aligning with TVK could help AIADMK regain political relevance in a rapidly shifting electoral landscape and ensure the party plays a decisive role in government formation. Some also argue that such a move could open the door for key ministerial positions in a coalition arrangement, thereby strengthening the party’s influence.

Former minister C. V. Shanmugam is said to be among those actively involved in discussions around this potential shift. A meeting of senior AIADMK leaders, including former ministers S. P. Velumani and K. C. Karuppannan, was reportedly held at Shanmugam’s residence in Foreshore Estate, Chennai, to deliberate on the evolving political scenario.

However, Shanmugam later clarified to the media that any decision regarding alliances rests solely with the party leadership and not with individual leaders, indicating that discussions remain preliminary and inconclusive.

Adding to the political uncertainty, reports emerged that two senior TVK representatives had met EPS at his Greenways Road residence earlier in the day for preliminary talks on possible cooperation. While there has been no official confirmation from either side, the development has intensified speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The situation within AIADMK became more fluid after a scheduled meeting of newly elected MLAs at the party headquarters in Chennai was abruptly cancelled. The cancellation has further fuelled speculation of deep internal differences over the party’s post-election direction.

Meanwhile, TVK has been actively reaching out to multiple political parties in its bid to secure the numbers required to form the government. It has reportedly engaged with Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). In a significant development, the Indian National Congress has already extended its formal support to Vijay’s party.

Political observers say the coming days will be crucial, as coalition arithmetic remains tight and negotiations continue across party lines. If AIADMK decides to extend support or even stay neutral, it could significantly alter the balance of power in the Assembly.

As discussions intensify, Tamil Nadu appears headed for a critical phase of political realignment, with TVK’s rise reshaping traditional alliances and forcing established parties to rethink long-standing strategies in the post-election landscape.