Political Turmoil: AIADMK's Internal Strife Intensifies

The AIADMK headquarters in Tamil Nadu came under heightened police security on Thursday due to the growing rift within the party. Additional officers were stationed to prevent potential violence, reminiscent of the chaotic clashes in 2022 that saw the party premises ransacked.

The party's internal divide is between one faction under general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and another group led by C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani. Tensions escalated after a floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly, which saw 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs support the ruling TVK, boosting its count to 144 in the 234-member House.

Consequently, Palaniswami removed these MLAs, including Velumani and Shanmugam, from party posts. Meanwhile, AIADMK members have gathered at Palaniswami's residence to show their backing. Palaniswami is expected to convene a meeting with party leaders, while a party advocate plans to file a complaint seeking the disqualification of the rebel MLAs.

(With inputs from agencies.)