The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar is expected to take a decision on Thursday regarding the proposed merger of two rival factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), following a series of reconciliation efforts and formal representations submitted by leaders from both sides. The development comes after months of internal division within the party, which has now moved closer to reunification after renewed political negotiations.

The breakthrough reportedly emerged after senior leaders from both camps, including AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and senior party figure S.P. Velumani, engaged in extensive discussions aimed at resolving differences within the organisation. According to sources, both factions agreed to withdraw pending petitions filed during the earlier political dispute, signalling a formal intent to restore unity within the party structure.

As part of the reconciliation process, around 14 MLAs from the Velumani faction met Palaniswami in Chennai and are said to have submitted apology letters, requesting restoration of their party positions that had been altered following the internal split. The legislators later met Speaker Prabhakar and submitted a formal letter indicating withdrawal of support for the previous faction alignment and reaffirming their commitment to a unified AIADMK legislative group.

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Subsequently, representatives from both sides jointly approached the Speaker’s office and submitted fresh representations requesting recognition of Palaniswami as the leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party. They also sought the appointment of Agri Krishnamoorthy as the party whip in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The Speaker is understood to have verified the presence of MLAs individually and reviewed the submitted documents before reserving his decision.

However, uncertainty remains over the position of senior leader C.V. Shanmugam, who reportedly did not appear before the Speaker along with other leaders. Sources indicate that his petition status remains unclear, and internal discussions are ongoing regarding his role in the reunited party framework. His absence has raised questions about complete consensus within the reconciled factions.

Despite the apparent progress toward unity, political observers note that the final outcome will depend on the Speaker’s formal ruling and the resolution of outstanding internal differences. The decision is expected to determine the official legislative leadership structure of the AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and mark a significant moment in the party’s ongoing efforts to stabilise its organisational framework.

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