CV Shanmugam: Internal Dissent in AIADMK as MLAs Support Vijay’s TVK
“If he fails to act, over 30 MLAs could break away and extend their support to Vijay,” warned a faction of AIADMK MLAs gathered at CV Shanmugam’s office in Chennai. This internal dissent marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, especially following the recent elections.
In the Tamil Nadu elections, held on May 6, 2026, Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats. Meanwhile, AIADMK secured just 47 seats, far from the majority mark of 118 needed to form a government in the 234-member Assembly.
The atmosphere is tense as many within AIADMK feel that their leader, Edappadi K Palaniswami, must take decisive action. The faction meeting at Shanmugam’s office indicates that dissatisfaction is brewing among party members who are contemplating shifting their allegiance.
KC Venugopal, a Congress leader, noted that “TVK President Thiru Vijay has requested the Indian National Congress for support to form a Government in Tamil Nadu.” This request comes amid discussions about potential political alliances that could reshape the state’s governance.
The Congress party has extended conditional support to TVK, but not without skepticism. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai remarked, “The perception that is out in the entire country is that Congress cannot be trusted.” This adds another layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape.
The fractured mandate from the elections has left many wondering how these alliances will play out. While TVK is currently short of a majority by just ten seats, support from Congress and any potential shift from AIADMK could change everything.
As discussions continue, uncertainties loom large. The exact outcome of coalition talks remains unclear, and internal dissent within AIADMK regarding support for TVK has not been fully confirmed. The coming days will be crucial for both parties as they navigate this challenging political terrain.
