AIADMK Splits as Rebel Faction Backs Vijay’s TVK Government in Tamil Nadu
Actor-politician Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister after his TVK party secured a legislative majority. A crucial rebel faction of 30 AIADMK MLAs, led by C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, defied party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to support the new government, rejecting potential alliances with the DMK. This move triggered a significant split within the AIADMK, leaving Palaniswami with minimal support. The development reshapes Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, ending the traditional Dravidian duopoly and stabilizing Vijay’s administration ahead of a mandatory floor test.
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Palaniswami Reaffirms AIADMK's Stance: DMK Remains an 'Evil Force'
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, speaking at a press meet in Omalur on July 14, 2026, firmly denied allegations that his party had attempted to ally with the DMK to prevent the TVK from forming a government after a hung Assembly election. He reiterated that the AIADMK considers the DMK an 'evil force' and that its position has not changed. Palaniswami criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for accusing both Dravidian parties of being 'partners in crime,' calling such remarks unbecoming of his office. He alleged that the TVK government is poaching AIADMK MLAs and lacks administrative experience, citing appointments of the CM's film producer and election helpers as advisers. Palaniswami also questioned the Congress party's political strength in Tamil Nadu and dismissed its state president's criticism of the AMMK.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK ready to welcome back leaders who left the party: Karuppannan
Bhavani MLA and former AIADMK Minister K.C. Karuppannan announced on July 7, 2026, that the AIADMK is open to welcoming back leaders who previously left the party, including T.T.V. Dhinakaran and V.K. Sasikala, with the final decision resting with party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Karuppannan claimed that some former AIADMK ministers who joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are unhappy and may return, alleging they left to protect personal interests and evade legal cases rather than due to ideological differences. He also accused the TVK government of vindictive transfers of AIADMK-affiliated Transport Department workers and said the party would pursue legal action for their reinstatement. The remarks came after a consultative meeting of the party's labour wing in Erode.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Resignation of AIADMK MLA M.R. Vijayabhaskar Shows Fragile Truce with Palaniswami
The resignation of AIADMK MLA M.R. Vijayabhaskar highlights the fragile nature of the truce between rebel factions and party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Vijayabhaskar, a former Transport Minister (2016-2021), was among 25 dissidents who defied the party whip in May 2026 to support the TVK-led government in a confidence motion. He later returned to Palaniswami's faction after disqualification proceedings were dropped, but was appointed only as a joint propaganda secretary—a less powerful role than the district secretary posts given to other rebels. Vijayabhaskar did not thank Palaniswami for the posting. The article notes that two other senior leaders also have not met Palaniswami. Both Vijayabhaskar and another MLA from the same district are expected to join the TVK. A party MP defended Palaniswami, arguing the ruling TVK is desperate to woo AIADMK lawmakers.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK Rival Factions Reconcile Two Weeks After Legislature Party Split
Nearly two weeks after a vertical split in the AIADMK Legislature Party during a trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, rival factions led by Edappadi Palaniswami and S.P. Velumani have reconciled. Both sides withdrew disqualification petitions previously submitted to Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar. The split occurred on May 13 when 25 rebel MLAs led by Velumani voted in favor of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government, while 22 Palaniswami-led MLAs voted against. In the ensuing turmoil, three rebel MLAs resigned and joined the ruling TVK, five others switched to Palaniswami's side, and a fourth rebel MLA resigned. The truce was announced on May 27 after Velumani's faction submitted letters seeking condonation of their vote against the party whip. Speaker Prabhakar said he would review all petitions and announce a decision. Velumani characterized the rift as a 'difference of opinion' and urged the formation of a committee to analyze electoral defeats.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Why TVK is eager to woo AIADMK cadre
The article reports on a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, where a large number of former ministers and legislators from the opposition AIADMK have defected to the ruling TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam). This wave of defections has raised questions about whether the TVK is strategically using these experienced politicians to strengthen its organizational network and grassroots presence. The piece analyzes the motivations behind the TVK's eagerness to attract AIADMK cadre, suggesting it may be a calculated move to consolidate power and expand its influence ahead of future elections. The defections mark a notable shift in the state's political landscape, potentially weakening the AIADMK while bolstering the TVK's ranks with seasoned political figures.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Drops Disqualification Action Against 21 AIADMK MLAs After Party Chief Condonation
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced on June 9, 2026, that he has dropped disqualification proceedings against 21 of 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who voted against the party whip during the May 13 confidence motion for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government. The decision followed four letters from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condoning the conduct of the 21 MLAs. However, proceedings continue against four other rebel legislators—Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, and Esaki Subaya—who resigned from the party and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The Speaker listed the names of the 21 MLAs spared from action, including several former ministers. The development marks a significant political reconciliation within the AIADMK after the party's split during the trust vote.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker drops action against 21 AIADMK MLAs after Palaniswami condones them
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced on June 9, 2026, that he has dropped disqualification proceedings against 21 of the 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who voted against the party whip during the May 13 confidence vote for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government. The decision followed four letters from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condoning the conduct of the 21 MLAs. However, proceedings continue against four other rebel legislators—Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, and Esaki Subaya—who resigned and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The Speaker read out the names of the 21 MLAs who were spared action.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK to Contest Byelections for Four Assembly Seats, Palaniswami Alleges TVK-DMK Similarity
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced on June 6, 2026, that the party will contest and win upcoming byelections for four Assembly constituencies where AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined the ruling TVK. Speaking at a public meeting in Edappadi, he accused the defectors of betrayal through horse-trading. Palaniswami claimed the TVK is essentially the same as the DMK, criticizing the TVK government for lack of transparency in cabinet decisions and for unilaterally giving a Rajya Sabha ticket to Congress. He asserted that the AIADMK, as a cadre-centric party with alliance support, will rise again like a phoenix, noting the TVK won only 108 seats without a majority and could fall if alliance partners withdraw support. He also questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's governance, arguing elected representatives should run the government, not officials.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK threatens CBI probe into alleged horse-trading of its MLAs by ruling TVK
Former AIADMK Minister and party whip Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy announced on May 29, 2026, that the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, will seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of horse-trading involving four of its MLAs by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Krishnamurthy accused TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna of converting his office into a party recruitment center for defectors, particularly from AIADMK. He also denied claims of an AIADMK-DMK alliance, calling it a diversion tactic by TVK. Additionally, he alleged a power struggle within TVK between Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and N. Anand over the second-in-command position. The warning comes amid escalating tensions between the two parties.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Dhinakaran Threatens CBI Probe if AIADMK or AMMK Legislators Join TVK Cabinet
T.T.V. Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has declared that he will seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry if legislators from the AIADMK or AMMK are appointed as ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government. Speaking in Tiruchi, Dhinakaran accused the TVK, founded by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, of engaging in horse-trading and poaching legislators. He criticized Vijay for previously labeling the AIADMK as corrupt while now accepting support from its rebel legislators, questioning the rationale behind such alliances. Dhinakaran argued that these defections weaken the AIADMK but expressed confidence in the party's resilience and future electoral prospects. He also alleged that Finance Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan is acting as an agent for the TVK to undermine the AIADMK. Furthermore, Dhinakaran confirmed that the AMMK will continue its membership in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), noting that BJP leaders are concerned about the internal turmoil within the AIADMK. The statement highlights growing political tensions and instability concerns surrounding the new government formation in Tamil Nadu.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduDhinakaran Threatens CBI Probe if AIADMK or AMMK Legislators Join TVK Government
T.T.V. Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has declared that he will seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry if legislators from the AIADMK or AMMK are appointed as ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government. Speaking in Tiruchi, Dhinakaran accused the TVK, founded by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, of poaching legislators and engaging in political horse-trading. He criticized Vijay for previously labeling the AIADMK as corrupt while now accepting support from its rebel legislators, questioning the rationale behind such alliances. Dhinakaran argued that these defections weaken the AIADMK but expressed confidence in the party's future resilience. He also alleged that Finance Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan is acting as an agent for the TVK to undermine the AIADMK. Furthermore, Dhinakaran affirmed the AMMK's continued membership in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), noting that BJP leaders are concerned about the internal turmoil within the AIADMK. The statement highlights growing tensions and instability concerns within the Tamil Nadu political landscape following the formation of the new government.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduTTV Dhinakaran Threatens CBI Probe if TVK Appoints Rebel AMMK MLA as Minister
AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran has intensified his criticism of the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay (TVK), threatening to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged horse-trading if the party appoints S Kamaraj, a rebel AMMK MLA, as a minister. This warning follows Dhinakaran's decision to sack Kamaraj for supporting CM Vijay during a recent confidence motion. Dhinakaran accuses TVK of using a forged support letter and an AI-generated video to secure Kamaraj's vote, arguing that such negotiations constitute political bribery. He further predicted that the TVK government would not survive more than six months, citing insufficient support from allied parties like VCK and the Left. Additionally, Dhinakaran commented on the internal crisis within the AIADMK, stating that rebel MLAs supporting TVK lack the necessary numbers to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws. He warned that this move would negatively impact the rebels and their cadres, emphasizing the party's struggle since Jayalalithaa's death. The article highlights the fragile political alliances in Tamil Nadu following the recent elections where TVK secured power through coalition support.
India Today | Latest StoriesKarti Chidambaram Advises Vijay Against Including AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Government
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has strongly advised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay against inducting the rebel faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) into his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. Chidambaram argued that including the AIADMK would negatively impact Vijay’s public image and weaken the administration politically, as voters sought a change away from traditional parties like AIADMK and DMK. He asserted that the current coalition, supported by Congress, Left parties, IUML, and VCK, is sufficient for stable governance over the next five years. This advice follows Vijay’s successful trust vote, where he secured 144 votes with crucial support from 25 rebel AIADMK legislators, despite party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s opposition. The incident has exacerbated internal rifts within AIADMK, leading to the expulsion of senior rebel leaders. Chidambaram clarified that Congress considers the AIADMK rebels merely as external supporters rather than potential coalition partners, emphasizing that the existing political understanding ensures stability without formal cabinet inclusion of the breakaway faction.
India Today | Latest StoriesGen Z Voters Propel Actor Vijay to Victory in Tamil Nadu Elections
In a historic political shift in Tamil Nadu, India, actor-turned-politician Vijay and his newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party won the Legislative Assembly election, ending a six-decade duopoly between the DMK and AIADMK parties. Although TVK secured 108 seats, falling short of the 118-seat majority, Vijay successfully formed a government with support from the Indian National Congress, left parties, and smaller regional groups. He secured 144 votes in a confidence motion, leading to his swearing-in as Chief Minister on May 10, 2026. The victory is attributed largely to Gen Z voters, who drove a wave of change against established political norms. Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lost his seat, marking a significant defeat for the incumbent DMK. Vijay acknowledged the pivotal role of young voters, stating that their conviction guided families toward this transformative outcome. This event highlights a broader rewiring of Indian politics, where celebrity influence and youth mobilization are challenging traditional party structures in one of India's most politically active states.
RT - Daily newsCongress Warns Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Against Inducting Rebel AIADMK MLAs
The Indian National Congress has issued a strong caution to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay regarding the potential induction of rebel All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislators into his state government. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram emphasized that the recent electoral mandate was explicitly for a government independent of both the AIADMK and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He argued that incorporating members from the splinter AIADMK group would significantly undermine Chief Minister Vijay's goodwill and political credibility among the electorate. Chidambaram urged the Chief Minister to remain faithful to the voters' verdict by rejecting support from any faction of the AIADMK. The statement highlights the ongoing political tensions in Tamil Nadu following the elections, where the Congress party is positioning itself as a guardian of the anti-incumbent mandate. This development underscores the delicate balance of power and coalition dynamics in the region, with the Congress seeking to influence the governance strategy of the current administration to ensure it aligns with the perceived will of the people who voted for change.
Times of IndiaCongress MP Karti Chidambaram Advises Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Against Inducting AIADMK Rebels
Congress Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram has publicly advised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay against inducting legislators from a splinter group of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) into the state government. Chidambaram argued that such a move would significantly erode the Chief Minister's goodwill and political credibility. This statement follows recent developments where AIADMK Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam led a faction of rebel lawmakers in breaking away from the party's main leadership under General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). These rebel MLAs recently voted in favor of a confidence motion initiated by Chief Minister Vijay, signaling their support for his administration. The incident highlights ongoing internal fractures within the AIADMK and the complex coalition dynamics facing the current Tamil Nadu government. Chidambaram's intervention underscores the opposition's scrutiny of the ruling alliance's composition and its potential impact on public perception and political stability in the region.
The Indian ExpressAIADMK Split Over Support for Vijay's TVK Ahead of Floor Test
Tamil Nadu is witnessing a significant internal rift within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) as actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) prepares to form a new government. The conflict has intensified ahead of a crucial legislative floor test, exposing deep divisions within the party following recent election results. A faction led by senior leader CV Shanmugam has openly pledged support to Vijay, directly defying official party directives. In response, Agri SS Krishnamurthy has warned rebel Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of strict disciplinary action. Meanwhile, OS Manian has asserted that 47 MLAs remain loyal to party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). This development highlights the ongoing instability and fragmentation within the AIADMK, often referred to as Amma's party, as it struggles to maintain unity in the face of emerging political forces. The split threatens the party's cohesion and influence in the state assembly, with potential long-term implications for Tamil Nadu's political landscape as alliances shift around Vijay's rising political entity.
Times of IndiaAIADMK Faces Internal Split as Rebels Reject Palaniswami's Leadership
A significant rebellion has erupted within the AIADMK, with thirty legislators led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam refusing to support Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) as party leader. This dissent follows the party's fourth major electoral defeat since 2019, culminating in a poor third-place finish in the 2026 assembly elections. The rebels have declared support for the TVK government led by Joseph Vijay, citing EPS's controversial willingness to ally with the rival DMK as a betrayal of party ideology. While EPS retains support from only 17 legislators, the rebel group aims to join the ruling coalition. However, TVK leader Vijay remains reluctant due to ongoing corruption investigations against key rebels like Velumani and C Vijayabaskar, which could undermine his anti-corruption platform. Additionally, uncertainties regarding AIADMK's exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and potential disqualification under anti-defection laws complicate the situation. The split highlights deepening fractures within the party, driven by dissatisfaction with EPS's leadership style and strategic failures, threatening the stability of both the opposition and the newly formed state government in Tamil Nadu.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000Vijay Becomes Tamil Nadu CM as AIADMK Splits and DMK Alliance Collapses
Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay has been sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a historic shift in the state's political landscape. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazagham (TVK), emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly but fell short of the 118-seat majority. Vijay secured power after coalition partners of the defeated DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, including Congress and CPI(M), extended support. Crucially, a major faction of the AIADMK, led by C Ve Shanmugam and comprising 30 MLAs, also backed Vijay, citing opposition to AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami’s alleged attempts to ally with the DMK. This move effectively split the AIADMK, leaving Palaniswami with minimal legislative support. The development ends the decades-long Dravidian duopoly of DMK and AIADMK, establishing Vijay’s TVK as the new dominant force. Reports suggest behind-the-scenes lobbying accelerated the AIADMK split, with Vijay’s confidants playing key roles in consolidating support just before the crucial floor test.
India Today | Latest StoriesAIADMK Faction Backs Vijay's TVK Government Ahead of Crucial Floor Test
A significant political development has emerged in Tamil Nadu as a faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), led by senior leaders S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugam, announced its support for Chief Minister Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. This announcement comes just before a critical floor test scheduled to determine the stability of the new administration. The dissenting AIADMK group cited ideological opposition to any alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as the primary reason for their decision, rejecting party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s potential overtures toward the DMK. While Velumani denied that this move constitutes a formal party split, it highlights deep internal rifts following AIADMK’s poor electoral performance. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay is actively consolidating support, having already secured backing from Congress, VCK, IUML, and Left parties, bringing his coalition closer to the required majority. The Governor has allotted three days for Vijay to prove his majority in the assembly, making these last-minute alliances pivotal for the survival of the TVK-led government.
Times of India