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AIADMK under pressure to revisit stand against ties with TVK
The AIADMK faces internal and external pressure over its stance on forming ties with the TVK after publicly distancing itself from a TVK-backed regime. Early signals of back-channel talks emerged in early April, while by May 4 the party reiterated its opposition, prompting further internal debates and whispers of a possible shift.
Why It Matters
The stance could reshape Tamil Nadu’s post-election coalition dynamics, influencing government formation and opposition space, especially with possible BJP involvement and shifting loyalties among MLAs.
Timeline
8 Events
May 6, 2026: Shanmugam says decision rests with the party
May 6, 2026
CV. Ve. Shanmugam told reporters that it was for the party to take a call on its stance toward the TVK scenario.
May 6, 2026: Leema Rose unreachable by The Hindu
May 6, 2026
The Hindu attempted contacting Leema Rose on Wednesday (May 6), but she remained incommunicado.
May 6, 2026: AIADMK factions push backing for Shanmugam among MLA-elects
May 6, 2026
Sections of the AIADMK began spreading the word that a large chunk of MLA-elects were rallying behind former Law Minister CV. Ve. Shanmugam, who was elected from Mailam, for the purpose of sharing power in the government; Shanmugam later indicated it was for the party to decide.
May 4, 2026: AIADMK states it will not support TVK regime
May 4, 2026
The AIADMK publicly stated on Monday that it would not support the regime likely to be formed by TVK, signaling a firm stance against formal ties with TVK for the time being.
April 5, 2026: BJP reportedly keen on AIADMK backing TVK government
April 5, 2026
There were media reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was keen on AIADMK supporting the TVK government to prevent any space for the Congress.
April 5, 2026: New MLAs meet Palaniswami; no stand discussion or signature campaign
April 5, 2026
Several new legislators, including L. Jayasudha and former ministers K.P. Anbalagan and N. Thalaivai Sundaram, said that when they met the AIADMK general secretary on Tuesday to exchange pleasantries, there was neither discussion on the party’s stand vis-a-vis the likely TVK regime nor any signature campaign in support of the TVK.
April 5, 2026: Reports of meeting between TVK's Bussy N. Anand and Palaniswami
April 5, 2026
There were varying reports regarding the meeting between TVK general secretary ‘Bussy’ N. Anand and Palaniswami, indicating back-channel discussions about post-poll arrangements.
April 5, 2026: Leema Rose signals negotiations between Palaniswami and TVK
April 5, 2026
Leema Rose, newly elected legislator from Lalgudi, told the media that negotiations were in progress between AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the TVK over the formation of the government, setting the tone for a reconsideration of the party’s stance.