THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

C Ve Shanmugam says AIADMK rebel faction supported TVK in floor test as ... AIADMK rebel faction leader C Ve Shanmugam on Wednesday said his party MLAs extended support toChief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government during the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly as they shared similar ideological opposition to the DMK. Shanmugamalso rejected AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's claim that the rebel faction leaders have been offered "ministerial berths" for supporting the TVK. "His (Palaniswami) claim is totally false and there is no truth in it. We supported the government since both AIADMK and theTVK have the same ideology; to oppose DMK," Shanmugam said. "The AIADMK party was founded by the late M G Ramachandran only to uproot the DMK," he added. The cross-voting by 25 AIADMK MLAs who have rallied behind Shanmugam and another senior leader SP Velumani made the TVK government to significantlyimprove its tally to 144in the 234-member House. TheDMK walked outwhile PMK abstained, and the lone BJP MLA stayed neutral. Twenty-one other AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Palaniswami, besides himself, voted against the government. On Palaniswami stating that the AI…

Palaniswami says DMK govt of 'inefficient, bommai CM' did nothing for ... AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged Friday that Tamil Nadu’s DMK government had done nothing for the people of Erode East Assembly constituency, which will go to the polls on February 27. Addressing reporters after campaigning for his party’s bypoll candidate, the leader of the Opposition said that Chief Minister M K Stalin’s government had not even ensured proper drinking water for the constituency’s residents in its 21-month tenure. “DMK leaders are involved in campaigning for their alliance candidate but wherever they go, the people are questioning them. The drug menace is rife across the state; we see the lives of youngsters and students getting spoiled in front of our eyes. As an inefficient, ‘bommai’ (dummy) chief minister is ruling the state, the law and order has deteriorated,” he said. Palaniswami also accused the government of failing to fulfil any of the DMK’s poll promises. He said the chief minister had instead built a memorial and a library in the name of his father (former chief minister M Karunanidhi). “Many environmentalists, activists and fishermen are against the government’s …

No rift in party as 95 pc functionaries back EPS, says Agri Krishnamurthy CHENNAI:Rejecting claims of internal rebellion and factionalism, the AIADMK on Wednesday asserted that general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami enjoyed the support of more than 95 per cent of the party’s functionary base. Addressing a press conference here, senior AIADMK leader and Tiruvannamalai south district secretary “Agri” SS Krishnamurthy dismissed allegations made by former Rajya Sabha MP CVe Shanmugam and other “disgruntled elements” as “completely false, baseless and contrary to the ground reality.” Referring to the meeting of district secretaries and headquarters office-bearers held on May 19 at the party office in Royapettah, Krishnamurthy said the attendance demonstrated strong support for Palaniswami. “Of the party’s district secretaries, 75 attended yesterday’s organisational meeting. Similarly, of the 80 headquarters office-bearers, 60 were present in person. Ten office-bearers who could not attend informed the party that they were out of station, while three were absent on medical grounds. This shows that more than 95 per cent stand with the leadership of EPS,” Krishnamoorthy said. He adde…

"Opposed to TVK Government Continuing" - Edappadi K. Palani AIADMKleaderCriticises Ruling Government AIADMK General Secretary andleaderof the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami has strongly opposed the continuation of the TVKgovernment, intensifying political tension during the ongoingassemblyproceedings. His remarks were made in the context of the confidence vote being held in thetamilNadu Legislative Assembly. “People Voted for AIADMK,” Claims EPS Speaking to reporters, Palaniswami stated that voters had supported the AIADMK expecting the return of an AIADMKgovernmentunder the party’s “two-leaves” symbol. He argued that the mandate reflected public trust in the AIADMK and not in the ruling TVK administration led bychief ministerVijay. Opposition Intensifies Attack on Government The AIADMKleaderreiterated his party’s opposition to the continuation of the TVKgovernment, claiming that the current administration does not reflect the true electoral mandate of the people. His comments are part of a broader opposition strategy to challenge the legitimacy and functioning of thegovernmentduring the confidence motion debate. Confidence Vote Under High Political Pressure The trus…

‘Agri’ Krishnamurthy challenges deserters to prove the alleged bid to form government with DMK’s support All the 47 legislators who had won on the ticket of the AIADMK had adopted a resolution, electing Palaniswami the leader of the legislature party, he says

Dissidence rocks AIADMK again: EPS accused of dynastic politics ... Dissidence rocks the Opposition AIADMK yet again with senior leader C. Ve. Shanmugam, who led the previous revolt, accusing party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) of dynastic politics by promoting his son as the heir apparent and allowing his family to maintain an iron grip over the organisation. “Palaniswami is enacting a drama to bring in his son into the party. There is an orchestrated clamour for it from his supporters. Instead of resigning as the general secretary owning moral responsibility for the election defeat, he is interested in turning the party into a family fiefdom. He is not worried about the party losing successive elections with its vote share plummets,” Shanmugam told reporters at Tindivanam. Advertisement A party strongman in the Villupuram region, Shanmugam, played a pivotal role in the short-lived rebellion, ensuring 22 party legislators supported the Vijay government in the trust vote on May 13. All but four legislators who quit as MLAs and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of Vijay have since returned to the party fold, making peace with the leadership. Advertis…

DMK trying to topple TVK govt through horse trading, says CPM leader P ... COIMBATORE:CPI(M) state general secretaryP Shanmugamon Thursday (July 2) accused the DMK of attempting to topple the TVK led government through horse-trading. Addressing the media in Coimbatore, Shanmugam said the recent remarks by DMK president MK Stalin predicting an early change of government has now become clear. “People had voted for an alternative to both the DMK and the AIADMK in the assembly elections. Instead of respecting the mandate, attempts are being made to engineer political defections through horse-trading," he said, while referring to a bid to poach a TVK legislator by offering crores of rupees. Further Shanmugam said the DMK had found it difficult to reconcile with being out of power and was therefore attempting to bring down the government through unethical means. “While legislators voluntarily switching parties was not uncommon in Indian politics, offering money to secure defections was unacceptable. If an MLA voluntarily joins another party, that is a different matter. But attempting to purchase an elected representative with crores of rupees cannot be accepted under any circumstance…

Rebel AIADMK MLAs joining TVK not healthy politics: CPM Chennai, May 27: P. Shanmugam, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has criticised the recent trend of MLAs from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) resigning and joining the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), terming it detrimental to democratic norms. Condemning the defections, Shanmugam said such political shifts are not conducive to healthy democratic practices and raise serious questions about political ethics. His remarks come amid a series of resignations by AIADMK legislators, which have intensified the political situation in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that encouraging elected representatives to switch sides undermines the mandate given by the people and weakens the foundations of parliamentary democracy. According to him, such developments could destabilise the opposition and distort the balance essential for a functioning democratic system. Shanmugam further cautioned that continued defections may erode public trust in political institutions. He called on all parties to uphold political integrity, respect the electoral mandate, and ensure fair play in the democratic process. R…

AIADMK's votes have got transferred to DMK: Law Minister S Regupathy CHENNAI:DMK leader and Law Minister S Regupathy on Monday said the prinicipal opposition party, the AIADMK's votes have got transferred to his party in the bypoll held to the Erode East Assembly constituency, in which his party emerged the winner. Speaking to reporters, Regupathy, answering a question on continuous electoral losses for the AIADMK, said it was a loss for that party and the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami. "Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership has failed and he has lost in 11 elections," the minister said apparently referring to elections held in Tamil Nadu since 2017, which includes bypolls to various constituencies, civic polls, the Lok Sabha (2019, 2024) and the 2021 State Assembly election. Palaniswami was the chief minister from 2017 to 2021. Against the background of such continuous electoral debacles, Regupathy claimed that Palaniswami was struggling to bring the party under his control as leaders in the main opposition party were frustrated. Further, Regupathy, referring to votes secured by the AIADMK in Erode in the last year Lok Sabha polls (29.79 per cent, while DMK's share was 51.…

DMK, AIADMK still trying to form govt using defections, alleges TVK ... CHENNAI:Minister for Energy Resources and Law R Nirmalkumar on Sunday alleged that the DMK and the AIADMK were still trying to form the government through defections despite the people's mandate in favour of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and accused the two parties of engaging in attempts to destabilise the ruling dispensation. Addressing reporters after inaugurating a bullock-cart race organised in Melur to mark the Chief Minister's birthday, Nirmalkumar said the DVAC had registered a case against former minister EV Velu based on documentary evidence and had begun an investigation. He alleged that searches had revealed evidence indicating the diversion of public funds worth several crores. Claiming that efforts to unseat the government were continuing, Nirmalkumar said, "Every day, MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin and Edappadi K Palaniswami are trying to form a government through the backdoor. Since the people voted for Vijay to become Chief Minister, they are attempting to buy legislators through horse-trading." He further alleged that Stalin, Udhayanidhi, "Stalin's son-in-law", Palaniswami and "his son" we…

Gripped By Rebellion, Staring At A Split: Is Edappadi K. Palaniswami ... The rebels are demanding the resignation of the party’s general secretary, holding him responsible for the electora Reports suggest that the rebel camp commands the support of more MLAs than the faction backing Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The rebel faction may extend support to the government  during the confidence vote. This is the first time in history that the AIADMK s neither in power nor occupying the position of principal Opposition party. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which has been going through a turbulent phase over the last several years, is now facing yet another major crisis after being pushed to the third position in the recently concluded election. A significant section of the newly elected legislators is reportedly considering extending support to the Vijay government during the forthcoming vote of confidence. Significantly, both factions arrived separately at the Assembly, underlining the deepening fissures within the party. According to party leaders, the split is expected to be formalised within a day or two. The rebel camp is demanding that Edappadi K. Palaniswami st…

AIADMK Backs Palaniswami After Meet, Defends Leadership Against Shanmugam Tamil Nadu · 20 May 2026 AIADMK Organisational Meet Backs Palaniswami, Party Defends Leadership Against Shanmugam Criticism Senior AIADMK leader Agri SS Krishnamoorthy has asserted that party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami enjoys the backing of more than 95% of the party's organisational base, following a meeting of district secretaries and headquarters office-bearers in Chennai. Bhasha Times Newsroom Read in हिन्दी Share Senior AIADMK leader Agri SS Krishnamoorthy on Wednesday asserted that general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami enjoys the backing of more than 95% of the party's organisational base. The assertion came during a meeting of district secretaries and headquarters office-bearers held at the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai. Of the 75 district secretaries who attended the organisational meeting on Tuesday, 60 of the 80 headquarters office-bearers were physically present. Ten office-bearers informed the party they were out of station, while three were absent on medical grounds. All leaders who attended expressed confidence in the former Tamil Nadu chief minister by signing the …

PMK's alms: Rebel AIADMK leader C Ve Shanmugam's latest salvo against ... TINDIVANAM:Continuing his attacks on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, disgruntled senior leaderCVe Shanmugamclaimed on Sunday that the party’s electoral survival in its northern strongholds was entirely dependent on its allies, particularly the PMK. Shanmugam, who has been on an openwarpathagainst Palaniswami ever since the election results were announced alleged that the current leadership has plunged the AIADMK into an "autocratic slide" driven by personal egos, family influence, and financial interests. "They shamelessly claim victory in 47 constituencies. How is that a victory? Out of those 47 seats, 31 constituencies are alms given by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)," Shanmugam told reporters here. Not mincing words, the Villupuram strongman, who was the leading face in the rebellion against Palaniswami, asserted that if not for the tie-up with the Anbumani Ramadoss-led PMK, theAIADMKwould have drawn a blank across the crucial northern belt. Even Palaniswami himself would have struggled to retain his home turf, Edappadi, he alleged. "If not for the alliance with the PMK, the AIADMK w…

Edappadi Palaniswami calls DMK government a failure model AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK government, calling it a failure and accusing it of neglecting jobs, infrastructure, and flood management. He urged voters to assess its performance ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections Chennai:Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, branding it a “failure model” and urging voters to remove it from power in the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing a public meeting in Velachery, the AIADMK General Secretary accused the M.K. Stalin-led administration of failing to fulfil key electoral promises, particularly in generating employment opportunities for youth and filling vacant government posts. Palaniswami also targeted the government over recurring monsoon flooding in Chennai, especially in low-lying areas such as Velachery. He said the DMK had not taken adequate measures to prevent inundation, leaving residents to face repeated hardships during heavy rains. “Even after five years in power, there has been no lasting solution to flooding issues in the city,” he said. Calling the DMK a…

DMK sole arch-rival, party can fight reels with reels: Edappadi CHENNAI:AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday told party functionaries that the ruling TVK was not the party's principal political adversary and reiterated that the DMK remained AIADMK's main rival, while stressing the need for a stronger social media presence to improve the party's electoral prospects. As part of the AIADMK's constituency-wise review meetings on its performance in the last Assembly election, Palaniswami held detailed discussions with office-bearers from the Kancheepuram Assembly constituency at the party headquarters, MGR Maaligai, in Royapettah. According to party sources, he spent nearly three hours meeting with district-and constituency-level functionaries to understand the reasons for the party's defeat in Kancheepuram. He later addressed the gathering for about 20 minutes, outlining the party's future strategy. During the meeting, Palaniswami reportedly told cadres that TVK was not AIADMK's real political opponent and maintained that the DMK remained the party's primary electoral rival. What helped TVK achieve electoral success through social media can also be used effe…

'DMK Has Already Distanced Itself From VCK': Thirumavalavan Defends ... Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has defended his party's decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government, saying it was based on principles rather than political office, while making it clear that the VCK could not have celebrated TVK's electoral victory after contesting as part of the DMK-led alliance. Speaking at a VCK awards ceremony in Chennai's Kamarajar Arangam, Thirumavalavan said the party had criticised TVK during the election campaign and therefore could not immediately align with it for political gain. He also rejected suggestions that the VCK had sought positions in the government, saying the party never asked for the deputy chief minister's post or any other office in return for extending support.' ALSO READ |'Reels Government': Udhyanidhi Slams Ruling TVK, Says DMK Will Return To Power Through Elections Thirumavalavan said the VCK had earlier expressed concerns about TVK, including criticism that the party was influenced by the RSS. However, he said TVK's post-election political decisions changed the VCK's assessment. According to him…

AIADMK split down the middle as EPS expels 25 leaders for ... - ThePrint Home Politics AIADMK split down the middle as EPS expels 25 leaders for backing... Politics AIADMK split down the middle as EPS expels 25 leaders for backing Vijay’s TVK in floor test Party rebels led by Velumani and CV Shanmugam backed TVK, rejecting a DMK-supported AIADMK govt they said would dilute the party’s anti-DMK identity. Shweta Tripathi 13 May, 2026 09:50 pm IST Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami | ANI Follow Us : Text Size: A- A+ Chennai: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expelled 25 functionaries from the party after they extended support to CM Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during the floor test Wednesday. Palaniswami relieved senior leaders including Natham R. Viswanathan, S.P. Velumani, C.V. Shanmugam, R. Kamaraj, and C. Vijayabaskar of their positions in the party. Viswanathan was removed from the posts of AIADMK deputy general secretary and Dindigul East district secretary, while Shanmugam was stripped of his roles as organising secretary and Villupuram district secretary. Show …

AIADMK feud: Shanmugam calls EPS' whip letter 'forged' as 25 MLAs back ... AIADMK’s internal rift deepened dramatically after 25 of its MLAs backed the ruling TVK government during the floor test, triggering a fierce war of words between the Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) camp and the rebel faction led by CV Shanmugam. Addressing a press conference at his residence, Shanmugam launched a scathing attack on EPS, questioning the very legitimacy of the party whip issued ahead of the trust vote. He alleged that no meeting of AIADMK legislators was ever convened to elect the Assembly leader, deputy leader, or whip, contrary to claims made by the EPS camp. Shanmugam asserted that former minister C Vijay Baskar remained the officially elected whip of the AIADMK legislature party and maintained that the party’s general secretary did not possess unilateral authority to appoint a whip. EPS, however, had claimed that Krishnamoorthy was the authorised party whip. Calling the letter submitted by EPS to the Speaker “forged” and “fabricated,” Shanmugam further alleged that no resolution had been passed within the party directing MLAs not to support the TVK government led by Tamil Nadu Chief Mini…

EPS is our leader: AIADMK 'rebel' MLA denies split in party after CM ... A dayafter failing to secure berthsin Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s Cabinet, a key leader of the rebel AIADMK faction denied reports of a split in the party, asserting that they had no intention of breaking the AIADMK. Speaking to reporters on Friday, senior leader SP Velumani saidAIADMKgeneral secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) remained their leader and that the rebel camp only differed with the party leadership over the reasons behind the party’s defeat in the Assembly elections. “EPS is still our leader. We just want him to convene a meeting of the general council to discuss the party’s loss in the recently concluded polls,” Velumani said. He said the rebel MLAs were not seeking ministerial positions in theVijay-led government and alleged that a campaign was underway to tarnish their image. “We are very clear that the people have supported the TVK while the AIADMK has suffered a defeat,” he added. Notably, fellow rebel leader CV Shanmugam was not present during Velumani’s interaction with the media. Velumani, along with 24 other rebel MLAs, had earlier backed the TVK-led government during the f…

CPM defends backing TVK, says move blocked President's Rule and ... CHENNAI:Defending the Left parties' decision to extend outside support to the TVK government, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam has said the move was necessary to prevent President's Rule in Tamil Nadu and honour the people's verdict for political change beyond the traditional DMK-AIADMK binary. In a detailed article published in the party mouthpiece Theekathir, Shanmugam hit back at criticism from DMK supporters and pro-DMK commentators, who have questioned the CPM's decision to support the government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay despite contesting the Assembly election as part of the DMK-led alliance. Arguing that the post-election arithmetic left little room for alternatives, Shanmugam said the CPM state committee examined three possible scenarios: supporting TVK, backing an AIADMK government with DMK support, or paving the way for President's Rule and possibly fresh elections. "The first responsibility was to prevent President's Rule," he said, alleging that such an outcome would have effectively placed the state under the control of the BJP-led Union government through the Governor. Shanmugam mainta…

Rebel AIADMK leader C.Ve. Shanmugam accuses Edappadi Palaniswami of suppressing dissent He said the party is falling into the clutches of a single family and accused Mr. Palaniswami of staging a “drama” to facilitate his son’s entry into the party. Mr. Shanmugam claimed that 31 of the 41 Assembly seats won by AIADMK in the 2026 Assembly elections were “alms” given by the PMK.

Cracks in AIADMK? Palaniswami faces revolt as senior leaders push for ... All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is facing the heat after party's disappointing performance in the recently held assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, with party MLAs and leaders making calls for his resignation from his position. Sources, cited by news agency PTI, have said leaders and former ministers such as C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani have openly shown their reservations against Palaniswami's leadership and didn't even attend a meeting that was chaired by him recently. Calls are also being made toextend support to Chief Minister Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "There is a clear split within the party. Many MLAs want a change in leadership. If Palaniswami continues as a leader, there is a possibility of some MLAs extending support to the TVK," said former AIADMK leader KC Palanisamy, adding that Palaniswami should "voluntarily step down" from the party's top post. In the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, the AIADMK's performance remained unimpressive, as the party won just 47 seats. Coincidently, this is not the first time when Palaniswami's leaders…