EPS Asserts AIADMK’s Strength Amid Rift, Says People Are the True Heirs of MGR and Jayalalithaa

Dindigul: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has claimed that repeated attempts to destabilise his party are being defeated with the backing of the people and cadres. His remarks came shortly after the party expelled senior leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan from all positions for publicly advocating the return of ousted leaders.

Addressing a rally in Dindigul, EPS invoked the party’s late icons. “M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa did not leave behind heirs—the people are their heirs. Many are trying to break this party, but their efforts are being thwarted. AIADMK is a cadre-driven movement, a living organisation, and no one can dismantle it. Here, even an ordinary worker can rise to become MLA, MP, Minister, or even Chief Minister. Only in AIADMK can a cadre ascend to the post of General Secretary,” he said.

The comments were widely seen as a rebuttal to Sengottaiyan, who days earlier urged the leadership to reconcile with former members. “If those who left us return, we can win elections. We should bring them back, even if they demand no conditions,” Sengottaiyan had remarked, also suggesting that EPS ignored inputs from senior figures after recent electoral defeats.

His appeal received immediate support from expelled leader V.K. Sasikala, close aide of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Praising Sengottaiyan, she said, “Our senior leader and legislator has shown that the AIADMK’s spirit cannot be erased. His call for unity echoes the voice of every cadre and of the people of Tamil Nadu. I too strongly stress this need for unity.”

Sengottaiyan, a veteran from western Tamil Nadu like EPS, had been showing signs of discontent for months, with reports pointing to strained ties with the current leadership. EPS took over as General Secretary in July 2022 after the party expelled former CM O. Panneerselvam, consolidating its leadership under one command.