Chennai, 16 May (H.S.): The internal turmoil within the AIADMK intensified further on Saturday as party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) removed two more district secretaries, signaling an escalation in the ongoing power struggle within the opposition party.
In an official statement, Palaniswami announced the removal of P.K. Vairamuthu, the Pudukkottai South district secretary, and C. Krishnamurali, the Tenkasi North district secretary, from their respective posts. The latest action comes at a time when the party leadership is grappling with an increasingly visible factional battle that has emerged after the Assembly election setback.
Political observers view the move as part of a larger effort by the AIADMK leadership to reassert control over the organisation and curb internal dissent. Over the past few days, Palaniswami has already initiated disciplinary measures against several party functionaries and district-level leaders, accusing them of activities detrimental to the party's interests.
The latest removals are seen as a continuation of that exercise. Party insiders say the leadership believes strict organisational action is necessary to maintain discipline and prevent further divisions within the party structure.
The developments come against the backdrop of growing friction between the faction led by EPS and a rebel camp associated with senior leaders such as C. Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani. The dissident group has reportedly been exploring organisational and legal options to challenge the current leadership structure, blaming what they describe as unilateral decision-making for the party's recent electoral difficulties.
The leadership crisis has also triggered tensions at the district level, with reports of disagreements emerging over organisational control and the future direction of the party.
As the political uncertainty continues, the AIADMK faces the challenge of balancing internal discipline with efforts to preserve unity. With more organisational decisions expected in the coming days, the battle for influence within one of Tamil Nadu’s major political parties appears far from over.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
