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Heavy security at AIADMK headquarters in Chennai after internal split
Police tightened security at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai as the party faced a widening internal rift between Palaniswami and a dissident group. The rift followed a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, after which Palaniswami removed 25 MLAs from party posts. On May 14, cadres gathered at Palaniswami's residence and security around the HQ was heightened, with plans for a leadership meeting and potential disqualification steps against rebel MLAs.
Why It Matters
The internal split within AIADMK could influence Tamil Nadu politics and the status of rebel MLAs facing potential disqualification, affecting party dynamics and governance.
Timeline
6 Events
Advocate I S Inbadurai to meet speaker to seek disqualification of rebel MLAs
May 14, 2026
Senior AIADMK leader said advocate I S Inbadurai was expected to meet Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar to submit a formal complaint seeking the disqualification of rebel MLAs.
Palaniswami to chair meeting with MLAs and senior leaders
May 14, 2026
Palaniswami was expected to chair a meeting with his party MLAs and senior leaders to discuss the future course of action.
Heavy police security at AIADMK headquarters in Chennai
May 14, 2026
The AIADMK headquarters in Chennai came under heavy police security following the widening rift in the party.
AIADMK cadres begin arriving at Palaniswami's residence
May 14, 2026
AIADMK cadres began arriving at Palaniswami's residence in Chennai to extend their support as the party negotiates the split.
Palaniswami dismisses 25 rebel MLAs from party posts
May 13, 2026
Following the floor test, Edappadi K Palaniswami removed 25 AIADMK MLAs from various party posts, including Velumani, Shanmugam, Natham R Viswanathan, and C.
Floor test in Tamil Nadu Assembly and cross-voting by rebel MLAs
May 13, 2026
The floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly was held. 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs aligned with the Velumani–Shanmugam camp cross-voted in favour of the ruling side, increasing its tally to 144 in the 234-member House.