AIADMK Acts Against Villupuram Factionalism, Removes 11 Office-Bearers

The AIADMK leadership has removed 11 office-bearers from its Villupuram district unit following a clash between rival groups during a party cadre meeting, as General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami moved to address internal factional tensions. The disciplinary action comes after a confrontation between supporters of senior AIADMK leader C.Ve. Shanmugam and newly appointed Villupuram district secretary Pasupathi reportedly turned violent during a meeting held on July 9.

According to party sources, the cadre meeting witnessed heated arguments between members of the two groups before the situation escalated. Reports suggested that stones were allegedly thrown at a vehicle and some party workers staged a road blockade during the incident. The developments prompted the AIADMK leadership to review the situation and take action against those considered responsible for disrupting party activities.

Following the review, the party removed 11 functionaries associated with Shanmugam's faction from their organisational responsibilities in Villupuram. The move is being seen as an attempt by the leadership to restore discipline and prevent further internal disputes within the district unit. The AIADMK has maintained that organisational stability and coordination among cadres are essential as the party prepares for future political challenges.

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The factional rivalry in Villupuram has reportedly continued since the AIADMK's setback in the Assembly elections, after which the party slipped to the third position in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. The electoral loss led to internal discussions over leadership, strategy, and organisational functioning, with differences emerging among sections of party workers in various districts, including Villupuram.

Although the AIADMK has attempted to project unity under Palaniswami's leadership, local-level disputes have remained a challenge in some areas. In Villupuram, the appointment of Pasupathi as district secretary is believed to have intensified tensions between his supporters and those aligned with Shanmugam. The July 9 confrontation has emerged as one of the most serious instances of internal disagreement within the district unit in recent months.

The removal of the office-bearers sends a message that the AIADMK leadership will not tolerate activities that affect party discipline or damage its public image. The party has not announced whether further disciplinary action will be taken in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, C.Ve. Shanmugam has not publicly responded to the removal of the 11 functionaries or commented on the leadership's decision.

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