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AIADMK tussle: Shanmugam-Velumani camp seeks disqualification of Palaniswami, others after trust vote
The Shanmugam-Velumani faction claimed they had the majority of AIADMK MLAs and accused Palaniswami and his supporters of defying the whip in the TVK government’s confidence vote. They moved to disqualify rebel MLAs under the anti-defection law, while Palaniswami and his camp rallied, with security tightening around the party HQ and both sides engaging in meetings and public demonstrations.
Why It Matters
The rift within AIADMK over the floor test and disqualification proceedings could influence party leadership dynamics and Tamil Nadu politics, possibly affecting future alliances and governance.
Timeline
11 Events
Rebel and supporting cadres reinforce backing around Palaniswami
May 14, 2026
In parallel with other actions, Palaniswami’s supporters continued to show public backing for him, with cadres at the residence and around party circles demonstrating engagement.
Shanmugam declines visit to AIADMK head office
May 14, 2026
Shanmugam stated that his supporting MLAs and senior leaders would not visit the AIADMK head office unless the group receives justice, promising no clashes between the factions.
Police security tight at AIADMK headquarters amid tensions
May 14, 2026
Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Maaligai, the AIADMK headquarters, came under heavy police security ahead of anticipated trouble; the security backdrop referenced past violence during the 2022 leadership struggle.
G Hari removed from party posts by Palaniswami
May 14, 2026
Palaniswami announced the discharge of Tiruttani MLA G Hari from party posts; Hari is identified as part of the rebel faction.
Speaker complaint on disqualification action; Krishnamurthy and Sundaram meet Speaker
May 14, 2026
Agri S Krishnamurthy and Thalavai N Sundaram, aligned with Palaniswami, met Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar seeking action on their complaint for disqualification of rebel MLAs who did not vote against the government as directed.
Supporters visit Palaniswami’s residence with bouquets
May 14, 2026
A large number of AIADMK cadres visited Palaniswami’s residence bearing bouquets to express backing for him.
Palaniswami meets senior leaders to discuss next steps
May 14, 2026
Palaniswami chaired a meeting with senior supporting MLAs at his residence to plan the party’s counter-moves against the rebel faction.
Rebel removals labeled not valid by Velumani
May 14, 2026
Velumani said Palaniswami’s decisions to remove individuals from party posts were not valid, asserting that those removed continue in their posts.
Velumani on party split: no decisions; General Council to be convened; Palaniswami as general secretary
May 14, 2026
Velumani cited precedents stating that when a split occurs in a party, no decisions can be taken and no appointments can be made or removed. He said a General Council should be convened to discuss the poll defeat and reiterated that Palaniswami remains the general secretary.
Shanmugam-Velumani faction seeks disqualification of rebel MLAs under anti-defection law
May 14, 2026
The Shanmugam–Velumani faction met the Assembly Speaker and sought the disqualification of rebel MLAs under the anti-defection law, arguing that 25 MLAs followed the whip while 22 did not.
TVK government confidence vote held in the Tamil Nadu Assembly
May 13, 2026
The TVK government’s confidence vote took place in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. C Vijayabaskar, whip for the Shanmugam–Velumani faction, said that 25 of 47 AIADMK MLAs abided by the whip to vote in favour, while 22 including Edappadi Palaniswami did not. He stated the group informed MLAs via WhatsApp and email about the voting instruction and that the rebel faction had majority support.