AIADMK stir: Rebel ranks split as ex-ministers back Palaniswami
The AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party, held statewide demonstrations on Friday, with large numbers of supporters rallying behind party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The protests also exposed divisions within the rebel camp, as some former dissidents joined the agitation.
Mr. Palaniswami addressed a rally in Thanjavur alongside deputy leader of the party in the Assembly O.S. Manian and former Food Minister R. Kamaraj, who had been part of the dissidents’ camp three months ago. The protests were organised to criticise the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led regime over its failure to fully waive cooperative crop loans taken by farmers, its alleged laxity on the Mekedatu dam issue, and its failure to secure the State’s share of Cauvery water. The agitators also demanded 24-hour power supply to farmers.
The Thanjavur rally was significant as the delta region is an agrarian belt, and water management is a critical issue for farmers there. The party had announced the protest schedule earlier, assigning leaders to spearhead demonstrations in various districts. The Mekedatu dam project, proposed by Karnataka across the Cauvery river, has been a long-standing issue for Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK alleging that the State government has not taken a strong enough stand. Similarly, the demand for a full waiver of cooperative crop loans reflects the financial strain on farmers, a key electoral concern.
Among the prominent rebels who broke ranks was former Electricity Minister P. Thangamani, who participated in the protest in Salem and expressed hope that Mr. Palaniswami would soon return as Chief Minister. Former Ministers P. Balakrishna Reddy and K.C. Veeramani were also present at protests in Namakkal and Tirupattur, respectively. Their participation is notable given that they were among the 25 rebel MLAs who voted in favour of the TVK-led regime during the confidence motion on May 13. That motion was a critical juncture for the government, which relied on the support of these rebels to secure a majority in the Assembly.
Following that vote, Mr. Palaniswami removed Mr. Thangamani, Mr. Reddy, Mr. Kamaraj, and Mr. Veeramani from their posts as district secretaries for Namakkal, Krishnagiri, Tiruvarur, and Tirupattur, respectively. Despite these actions, Friday’s protests saw these leaders aligning with the party’s leadership, indicating a possible rapprochement between the factions.
However, some leaders who were named to lead the protests did not take part. Deputy general secretaries Natham R. Viswanathan (assigned Ramanathapuram), S.P. Velumani (Theni), and K.P. Anbalagan (Ranipet) were absent. Until the middle of May, the three also held the posts of district secretaries for Dindigul (east), Coimbatore (suburban-south), and Dharmapuri, respectively. The reasons for their absence were not immediately clear, and their continued distance from the party leadership could further complicate internal dynamics.
Addressing the Thanjavur rally, Mr. Palaniswami urged the State government to ensure adequate water supply to farmers in the delta region during the upcoming samba cultivation season. The samba season is a major paddy cultivation period in the delta, and water availability is critical for the crop. He noted that farmers had already suffered due to a lack of water during the current kuruvai season. Accusing the TVK-led government of failing to fulfil its electoral promises, he called on it to at least honour its commitment to fully waive crop loans, as stated in its election manifesto.
The day’s events reflect the continuing realignment within the AIADMK, with the party leadership seeking to consolidate its position while the rebel camp appears divided. The participation of former rebels in the agitation, alongside the absence of certain deputy general secretaries, underscores the complex internal dynamics that the party continues to navigate. The demonstrations also served as a show of strength for Mr. Palaniswami as he works to keep the party united amid internal challenges.
