AIADMK rift intensifies with rebel’s alliance move

A pronounced schism has emerged within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as senior figure K. A. Sengottaiyan joined expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam and T. T. V. Dhinakaran at the memorial of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar in Ramanathapuram, aligning himself with those widely viewed as adversaries of party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

- HD Bureau

The photo-op, in which the trio garlanded the statue together and performed the ritual arti from the same plate, signals an overt challenge to party unity and expertise in maneuvering ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Palaniswami responded sharply, accusing the three of functioning as the opposition party's “B team” and warning that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone acting against the party's interests.

His accusation comes amid growing concern over the party’s internal cohesion following its significant defeat in the 2024 general election in Tamil Nadu and ahead of the next key electoral battle.