In Tamil Nadu’s dynamic political landscape, where every development feels like a deluge, the countdown to the next assembly election has everyone on edge, notwithstanding party allegiance. Within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Tamil Nadu’s leading opposition party, a brewing storm threatens to disrupt its unity. A deepening rift, fuelled by discontent and conflicting ambitions, casts uncertainty over the party’s future as tensions approach a breaking point.
Just days after urging the re-induction of former members to strengthen the party, veteran AIADMK leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan stirred controversy by meeting senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in New Delhi, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Upon his return, Sengottaiyan dodged pointed questions from the media, vaguely stating that the discussions centered on Tamil Nadu’s political situation. His evasive responses have set the rumor mill into overdrive, amplifying speculation about the AIADMK’s internal dynamics.
However, surprisingly, at the grassroots level, the mood remains calm. In Alandur constituency on the outskirts of Chennai, AIADMK cadres carry on with their routine such as rallies, meetings, and campaigns, seemingly unaffected by the upheaval. V. Bharani Prasad, Area Secretary of Alandur Assembly Constituency and a dedicated local leader, navigates the party’s activities with unwavering commitment. When asked about the apparent turmoil, he dismisses it as inconsequential. “What happened, sir? Nothing serious. Our leadership isn’t fazed by these trivial matters,” he says confidently. As a key link between the party and the public, Prasad remains in close contact with senior leaders and grassroots workers alike, embodying the resilience of AIADMK’s footsoldiers.
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Another party leader from a different constituency, who preferred anonymity, echoed similar sentiments. “So much water has passed under the bridge. The party has weathered many skirmishes and emerged stronger each time,” he said. “We’re not concerned about these events. Everything will sort itself out in time. Our dream is to see the party united under one leadership.”
Even among some senior leaders, the ripples seem to have little impact. While some, like former minister S.P. Velumani, were unavailable for comment, Thiruvallur District Secretary and former minister B.V. Ramana emphasised the primacy of the institution over individuals. Without naming anyone, he remarked, “It’s unfair to criticise the party leader publicly or impose timelines. Even during Amma’s [J. Jayalalithaa’s] time, we had differences, but we resolved them through earnest discussions. This principle applies to all parties - be it AIADMK, DMK, BJP, or others. If someone like Annamalai criticises BJP leadership, they’d be sidelined. No one is above the party.” Ramana expressed unwavering faith in the current leadership, underscoring its ability to navigate challenges.
As Sengottaiyan’s cryptic “10-day countdown” nears its end, many political observers believe the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu will remain steadfast, with leaders closing ranks to maintain unity. Despite the murmurs of discord, the AIADMK’s grassroots resilience and leadership’s confidence suggest that the party may yet weather this storm, as it has done before.
AIADMK senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, who said he was traveling to Haridwar for a spiritual visit, has reportedly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah while in Delhi.
At Coimbatore airport, Sengottaiyan told reporters he was headed to Haridwar for peace of mind and denied any meeting with BJP leaders. He emphasized he was not making any major announcements and reiterated his goal of party unity.
However, rumors surfaced that Sengottaiyan did, in fact, meet Amit Shah in Delhi. This has raised questions about his political intentions amid ongoing factional tensions within the AIADMK.
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