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Tamil Nadu government formation: After Semmalai, AIADMK MP Thambi Durai too says Palaniswami will come back to power
Former AIADMK Health Minister S. Semmalai said Palaniswami would be king, not kingmaker, and would decide on any alliance with the DMK. A day later, AIADMK MP M. Thambi Durai expressed hope Palaniswami would return to power during the party’s election campaign and commented on potential ties with the DMK and on other party supporters trying to sway AIADMK legislators.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight internal leadership dynamics in AIADMK and possible implications for alliances with DMK ahead of Tamil Nadu's political developments.
Timeline
2 Events
Thambi Durai expresses belief Palaniswami will return to power
May 8, 2026
AIADMK MP and former Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, during Palaniswami’s election tour, said he hoped Palaniswami would come back to power. He noted public sentiment in favour of the party’s return, said it was for Palaniswami to decide on an alliance with the DMK, and dismissed talk of a truce between DMK and AIADMK, while also noting TVK leader K. Sengottaiyan’s attempts to woo AIADMK legislators and emphasising that the party’s legislators are bound by the general secretary’s word.
Semmalai comments on AIADMK-DMK alliance
May 7, 2026
Former Health Minister S. Semmalai, after calling on AIADMK leader Palaniswami, said Palaniswami would be the 'king and not the kingmaker' and would take a 'firm and good decision' on the issue of alliance between AIADMK and DMK.