AIADMK Crisis: EPS Sacks Rebel MLAs for Backing CM Vijay in Floor Test
In a significant development, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has expelled prominent leaders, including C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, and 25 MLAs from party posts. This disciplinary action follows their decision to support newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a crucial floor test, deepening the internal crisis within the AIADMK.
Key Highlights
- EPS expels 25 AIADMK MLAs, including C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani.
- Expulsions occurred after MLAs backed CM C. Joseph Vijay in a floor test.
- AIADMK faces deep internal split post recent assembly election defeat.
- Rebel faction led by Velumani and Shanmugam publicly supported TVK government.
- Palaniswami asserts authority amidst calls for his resignation from some members.
- The move further destabilizes AIADMK's position in Tamil Nadu politics.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, which deepened significantly on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as the party's General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), took stringent disciplinary action against several rebel leaders and members. EPS removed prominent figures like C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, alongside approximately 25 other Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), from their party posts. This decisive move came in the immediate aftermath of these rebel legislators publicly extending their support to the newly formed government of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a crucial floor test in the Legislative Assembly.
The crisis unfolded as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, faced a confidence vote in the Assembly. Despite the AIADMK's official stance to oppose the TVK government, a faction of its MLAs, reportedly numbering around 25, defied the party whip and voted in favour of CM Vijay, ensuring his comfortable victory with 144 votes. The rebel camp, notably led by S.P. Velumani, publicly announced their decision to support Vijay, arguing that the people's mandate was for the new Chief Minister. This public display of defiance triggered immediate disciplinary measures from Palaniswami's faction.
The internal turmoil within the AIADMK has been a protracted affair, exacerbated by its dismal performance in the recent Assembly Elections where the party secured only 47 out of 234 contested seats. This electoral setback has fueled discontent and calls for a change in leadership, with some members openly demanding Palaniswami's resignation. The ongoing power struggle, particularly between EPS and other factions, has plagued the AIADMK since the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa in 2016.
During the floor test, the AIADMK legislature party witnessed a vertical split. While 22 MLAs, loyal to EPS, voted against the confidence motion, 25 MLAs, under the leadership of S.P. Velumani, voted in its favor. C. Ve. Shanmugam, a prominent leader among the rebels, even questioned the legitimacy of the whip issued by EPS, claiming that no resolution to confirm Palaniswami as the legislative party leader was signed by all MLAs. Shanmugam had also previously made claims of potential post-poll alliance talks between AIADMK and DMK, which the DMK swiftly dismissed as an attempt to create a split within AIADMK.
The disciplinary action taken by EPS is seen as a strong assertion of his authority in an attempt to consolidate his control over the party, particularly after his election as AIADMK General Secretary on March 28, 2023, which was later recognized by the Election Commission of India on April 20, 2023. However, this move is likely to further deepen the fissures within the AIADMK, potentially leading to more instability and realignments in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
Reactions from other political parties, such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have also surfaced, with DMK leaders criticizing the public infighting within AIADMK and reiterating their commitment to functioning as a disciplined opposition. The events underscore a critical juncture for the AIADMK, as it battles internal dissent while navigating a new political reality with the TVK government in power in Tamil Nadu. The outcome of this internal struggle will significantly impact the future trajectory of one of Tamil Nadu's most influential regional parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay?
C. Joseph Vijay, commonly known as 'Thalapathy' Vijay, is a popular actor-turned-politician who recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party and has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Why did AIADMK expel its rebel leaders and MLAs?
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expelled the rebel leaders and MLAs, including C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, for defying the party's directive and voting in favor of Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay's government during a crucial floor test in the Legislative Assembly.
What is the current status of the AIADMK leadership?
Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is the current General Secretary of the AIADMK, a position he formally secured through an election in March 2023, which was later recognized by the Election Commission of India. However, the party is experiencing significant internal dissent and a power struggle.
How many AIADMK MLAs supported CM Vijay in the floor test?
Approximately 25 AIADMK MLAs, led by figures like S.P. Velumani, broke ranks with the party and voted in support of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during the floor test, while 22 MLAs loyal to EPS voted against the motion.
What are the implications of this split for AIADMK?
The expulsions and the public defiance by a significant faction of MLAs indicate a deepening internal crisis within the AIADMK. This split further weakens the party's unity and electoral prospects, especially following its poor performance in the recent assembly elections, and could lead to further political realignments in Tamil Nadu.
