AIADMK Faces Political Turmoil: Resignations Shake Party's Foundation

The AIADMK party is grappling with internal strife as factionalism and resignations from its MLAs present a significant challenge. A notable development occurred with MLA P Balakrishna Reddy extending support to General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, amidst fears of disqualification following the trust vote saga.

On Monday, five AIADMK MLAs submitted apology letters to the Speaker's office, signaling allegiance to Palaniswami's faction. Meanwhile, CV Shanmugam faction members who supported the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam during the trust vote could face disqualification under the anti-defection law, given the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The political landscape became more contentious when Ambasamudram MLA Esakki Subaya resigned, the fourth defector recently, joining the ranks of those moving to TVK, reducing AIADMK's assembly representation to 43 members. This string of departures prompted accusations of 'horse-trading' from Palaniswami, while Tamil Nadu Minister KA Sengottaiyan criticized him for the party's declining strength compared to former legendary leaders MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.

(With inputs from agencies.)