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Fissures deepen in AIADMK as Velumani-Shanmugam faction backs TVK government amid DMK alliance claims
A group of AIADMK MLAs led by SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam accused Chief Minister Palaniswami of seeking a DMK-backed alliance to block TVK's rise. The faction pledged support to the TVK-led government under CM Vijay, elected Velumani as floor leader, and intensified internal rifts on May 12, 2026. The party defended Palaniswami on social media while highlighting the electoral debacle in the April 23 polls.
Why It Matters
The internal split within the main opposition in Tamil Nadu could influence the immediate floor test and alter the political dynamics surrounding governance and party cohesion.
Timeline
5 Events
Historical context: speculation of a split reminiscent of 1987 and 2016 divisions
May 12, 2026
The report discusses ongoing rumblings in the AIADMK and notes speculation about a potential split, drawing parallels to splits that occurred after MGR's death in 1987 and after Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016.
AIADMK defends Palaniswami on X; denies alliance rumours and asserts cadre support
May 12, 2026
The AIADMK's official X handle defended Palaniswami, condemning as rumours any suggestion of an alliance with DMK and accusing rivals of spreading falsehoods. The post asserted Palaniswami did not have authority to make alliance decisions and highlighted the party's broad cadre support, including the claim of 1,34,25,260 votes in the polls that were for the AIADMK and its leadership.
Floor test date for TVK government referenced as May 13, 2026
May 12, 2026
The TVK-led government under Chief Minister Vijay is said to face a floor test on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following the factional realignment announced on May 12.
Velumani-Shanmugam faction accuses Palaniswami of seeking DMK alliance; vows support for TVK government
May 12, 2026
A group of AIADMK MLAs led by SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam alleged that party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami wanted to join hands with archrival DMK to keep TVK away from power. They announced their support for the TVK-led dispensation under CM Vijay, and said they would hand over a letter of support after meeting Vijay. The MLAs elected Velumani as their floor leader and urged Palaniswami to convene a general council meeting to address the electoral debacle.
Electoral performance cited: AIADMK won 47 of 164 seats in April polls
April 23, 2026
The article notes that in the April 23, 2026 polls, AIADMK won 47 out of the 164 seats it contested, a result described as a debacle that spurred leadership challenges and internal rumblings.