A dramatic political development unfolded in Tamil Nadu ahead of the crucial Assembly floor test after senior All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader C. V. Shanmugam publicly declared support for Chief Minister Vijay and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam alliance.
Shanmugam also accused AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of considering political support from the rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to form a government in the state.
AIADMK Rebel MLAs Extend Support to TVK
Speaking to reporters, Shanmugam announced that rebel AIADMK legislators would back the TVK-led government during the upcoming trust vote in the Assembly.
He claimed that some leaders within the AIADMK had discussed the possibility of forming a government with support from the DMK, a move he described as completely against the party’s ideological foundation.
According to him, AIADMK was originally formed to politically oppose the DMK, and any understanding with the rival party would violate the movement’s core principles.
Shanmugam Rejects Any Tie-Up With DMK
Clarifying the stand of the rebel faction, Shanmugam said the group would not participate in any political arrangement involving the DMK.
He stated that the rebel MLAs had accepted the public mandate delivered in favour of Vijay and TVK during the Assembly elections and would support the elected government in the interest of political stability.
“The people of Tamil Nadu have given their mandate in favour of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and Vijay as Chief Minister. We respect the people’s verdict,” he said.
New Legislative Leadership Announced
Shanmugam further announced that S. P. Velumani had been chosen as the Floor Leader of the AIADMK legislative party, while G. Hari was elected Deputy Leader.
The announcements come at a time when internal tensions within the AIADMK continue to intensify following the Assembly election results and the emergence of TVK as the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.
Rebel Camp Denies Plans to Split AIADMK
Responding to questions regarding divisions within the party, Shanmugam insisted that the rebel camp had no intention of breaking the AIADMK.
He said the faction remained committed to protecting the party’s identity and future while opposing any political decisions that could weaken its traditional ideological position in Tamil Nadu politics.
