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AIADMK split: Velumani faction open to talks with Palaniswami; Veeramani backs Palaniswami
AIADMK rebel S. P. Velumani said on May 15, 2026 that his faction is willing to hold discussions with party general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on intra-party issues and to analyse the party’s defeat. He also criticised the way the alliance was formed. Separately, K. C. Veeramani expressed support for Palaniswami after having been aligned with Velumani and Shanmugam until May 14, and S. Pasupathi was appointed Tirupattur district secretary on May 13.
Why It Matters
The statements signal potential efforts to bridge internal rifts within AIADMK, which could influence the party's leadership dynamics and future political alignments in Tamil Nadu.
Timeline
4 Events
Veeramani backs Palaniswami
May 15, 2026
K. C. Veeramani told reporters that his support was for Edappadi Palaniswami, after having been with Velumani and C. Ve. Shanmugam until May 14 and subsequently removed from party positions by Palaniswami.
Velumani signals willingness for talks with Palaniswami
May 15, 2026
AIADMK rebel leader S. P. Velumani posted on social media expressing willingness for discussions with party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on intra-party issues, including analysing the reasons for the party's defeat; he urged Palaniswami to invite his faction for discussion instead of driving out party members and criticised the manner of alliance formation.
Veeramani removed from party positions
May 14, 2026
K. C. Veeramani, former Tirupattur district secretary who had been aligned with Velumani and C. Ve. Shanmugam, was removed from party positions by Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Pasupathi appointed Tirupattur district secretary
May 13, 2026
S. Pasupathi, the AIADMK deputy secretary for the medical wing, was appointed Tirupattur district secretary.