'Differences set right': AIADMK rebels reunite with EPS faction days after row over support to TVK

Factions within the AIADMK patched up after rebel MLAs led by former minister SP Velumani met party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence

Updated on: May 27, 2026, 18:10:50 IST

Written by Shubham Pandey

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Factions within the AIADMK reportedly patched up on Wednesday after rebel MLAs led by former minister SP Velumani met party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence and extended their support to his leadership.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami or EPS at a meeting with some party MLAs at his house in Chennai last Saturday. (AIADMK/ANI Photo)

Around 13 legislators accompanied Velumani during the meeting, news agency PTI reported. However, former minister Shanmugam — who had earlier joined Velumani and other MLAs in urging the party to back the TVK government — was notably absent.

Soon after meeting Palaniswami, Velumani, along with former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar, supporting MLAs and senior leaders including Agri SS Krishnamurthy, met Tamil Nadu assembly speaker JCD Prabhakar and submitted a letter stating that they would function as a united party in the Assembly. Vijayabaskar also withdrew his earlier request seeking recognition as the party whip.

Also Read | AIADMK cries ‘horse-trading’ after 4th Tamil Nadu MLA resigns in 24 hours, seeking to join TVK

Velumani said that there was no split in the party and that the differences of opinion had been ‘set right’. He added that their intention was only to seek a review of the party’s electoral defeat and alleged that they were falsely accused of seeking positions.

Tamil Nadu assembly speaker JCD Prabhakar said AIADMK MLAs had submitted their petitions to him and that he would examine them before announcing his decision on Thursday.

This move follows weeks of deepening rift as the AIADMK faction led by CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani extended support to the TVK government in the Tamil Nadu assembly during the floor test, with Velumani accusing AIADMK of carrying out "politics opposing DMK". The AIADMK had sought the disqualification of 25 rebel MLAs who defied EPS' directives.

Also Read | 3 AIADMK MLAs' resignations accepted while EPS alleges ‘horse-trading’ by Vijay's TVK: What next for the rebels?

In a strong message shared on social media, the AIADMK invoked the legacy of late leader J Jayalalithaa to stress party unity.

Quoting Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK IT Wing said the party would continue to function solely for the welfare of the people, irrespective of how many centuries passed after her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shubham Pandey
Shubham Pandey works as Chief Content Producer at the Hindustan Times online desk, where he writes news articles, explainers, and features with a focus on audience engagement, traffic growth, and real-time storytelling. With over a decade of experience across journalism, digital newsrooms, and strategic communications, he brings a strong understanding of online journalism, particularly in leveraging SEO, search trends, and live blogs to drive sustained reader engagement. Previously, he led the sports team at Zee News English, strengthening editorial operations while delivering measurable growth in readership. His reporting experience includes assignments with Firstpost, where he covered sports with a strong narrative focus. Shubham has worked across both startups and large media organisations, including building a sports website from the ground up in a startup environment—demonstrating versatility and leadership. His stint as Senior Account Manager at Edelman India further expanded his expertise in strategic communications, brand storytelling, and reputation management. Across roles, he specialises in content planning, writing, and crafting credible narratives for diverse audiences. He has collaborated with former international cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara, Nick Knight, and Danny Morrison to create compelling, high-impact sports content, blending editorial depth with mass appeal. When he is not writing news or watching sports, he enjoys exploring films from around the world.Read More

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