AIADMK Rebels Reconcile With Palaniswami Days After Supporting Actor Vijay’s TVK

A political truce has emerged within All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after rebel legislators who had revolted against party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government during a recent Assembly floor test returned to the party fold. The reconciliation comes just weeks after a sharp internal split threatened to weaken the AIADMK following its electoral setback.

The reunited factions met the Assembly Speaker on Friday and reportedly conveyed that they were once again functioning as a united party. Rebel legislators publicly reaffirmed their support for Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS, and declared that internal differences had been resolved. Following the reconciliation, Palaniswami also withdrew his petition seeking the disqualification of the rebel MLAs from the Assembly.

The rebellion had erupted after a section of AIADMK legislators led by senior leader C. V. Shanmugam opposed Palaniswami’s political strategy following the party’s election defeat. The dissident camp advocated support for the government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party TVK, a move that was rejected by the AIADMK leadership. During the Assembly floor test, 25 rebel MLAs reportedly defied the party whip and voted in favour of the Vijay-led government.

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The crisis deepened when four MLAs from the rebel camp resigned from the Assembly and joined TVK even as disqualification proceedings were pending before the Speaker. The development significantly weakened the dissident faction and altered the political calculations within the AIADMK. Palaniswami had objected to the resignations, arguing that the anti-defection proceedings should have been concluded first.

Further setbacks for the rebel bloc followed as six MLAs shifted their loyalty back to the Palaniswami camp to avoid possible disqualification under anti-defection laws. These legislators reportedly submitted apology letters to both the Speaker and the party leadership, expressing regret for violating the party whip during the confidence vote. The rebel faction’s strength consequently reduced from 25 MLAs to around 15, paving the way for negotiations and eventual reconciliation.

Senior leaders led by S. P. Velumani later met Palaniswami at his residence and formally declared an end to the standoff. After the meeting, rebel leaders acknowledged EPS as the undisputed leader of the party and stated that earlier disagreements had been resolved through discussions. The reconciliation is being viewed as a major consolidation of Palaniswami’s authority within the AIADMK ahead of future political battles in Tamil Nadu.

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