Tensions escalated within AIADMK after cross-voting during the Tamil Nadu Assembly floor test
May 14, 2026: A fresh power struggle has erupted within All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after cross-voting during the trust vote of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government intensified differences between rival factions. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami held discussions with his supporters on Thursday, while rebel leaders C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani separately met their loyalists to decide the next course of action.
The political tension also led to heavy police deployment outside the AIADMK headquarters, Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Maaligai, in Chennai amid fears of unrest. The situation revived memories of the 2022 leadership battle involving O Panneerselvam, when violence broke out at the party office. Sources said the rebel faction is considering legal options, claiming it has the support of more MLAs than the Palaniswami camp. The group is also expected to renew its demand for convening a general council meeting.
Before meeting supporters, Shanmugam said his faction would not visit the party headquarters unless they received justice and assured there would be no clash between the groups. Meanwhile, Palaniswami chaired a separate meeting with loyalist MLAs at his residence, where party cadres gathered to express support. His supporters also approached Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar seeking disqualification of rebel MLAs for allegedly violating the party whip during the floor test. In another move against dissenters, Palaniswami removed Tiruttani MLA G Hari from party posts.