AIADMK rift widens as EPS removes 25 MLAs over support to Vijay Government
AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday removed 25 party leaders from organisational posts after a major rebellion rocked the party during the Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote.
The action came hours after several rebel AIADMK MLAs openly backed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and voted in favour of the confidence motion moved by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government.
Among the prominent leaders who lost their posts were SP Velumani and C V Shanmugam, both seen as key faces of the rebel camp. Senior MLA Natham R Viswanathan also stood among those who defied the party line during the floor test.
Soon after the Assembly proceedings ended, AIADMK headquarters in Chennai witnessed intense political activity. Party workers gathered outside the office while leaders held closed-door discussions over the growing internal crisis.
EPS moved quickly to tighten control over the organisation. He removed rebel functionaries from district-level responsibilities and announced replacements within hours. Party insiders said the leadership wanted to send a strong signal against indiscipline after the public split inside the Assembly.
Earlier in the day, rebel AIADMK legislators ignored the official party whip and voted alongside Vijay’s coalition during the confidence motion. Their support helped the chief minister comfortably cross the majority mark in the House.
The rebellion exposed deep cracks inside the AIADMK just months after the Assembly election setback. Political observers now believe the crisis could reshape opposition politics in Tamil Nadu if more legislators drift toward Vijay’s camp.
Despite the disciplinary action, questions continue to surround the future of the rebel bloc. Under anti-defection rules, the dissident camp still lacks the numbers needed for a formal split.
For now, EPS faces the challenge of preventing further erosion within the party while Vijay’s government gains momentum after its decisive floor test victory.
