AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami convened an informal meeting of district secretaries on Tuesday in Chennai, calling for party unity even as back-channel efforts are reportedly underway to reconcile his camp with the dissident faction led by senior leader C.Ve. Shanmugam. The parallel tracks — public appeals and quiet mediation — reflect the depth of the crisis gripping Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party.

Behind the Unity Push

According to party sources, a section of senior leaders has initiated steps to reduce tensions between the EPS camp and Shanmugam's group, driven by concerns that prolonged infighting will only benefit political rivals and erode the AIADMK's long-term electoral prospects. The extent of progress in these reconciliation efforts, however, remains unclear.

The meeting itself was marked by a last-minute venue change — shifted from Palaniswami's residence to the AIADMK headquarters. Leaders loyal to EPS claimed the majority of the party's 82 district secretaries attended, while the rival camp insisted a considerable number stayed away.

Notable Absentees and Organisational Moves

Former minister and senior leader D. Jayakumar was among the notable absentees. The AIADMK headquarters later said some district secretaries who could not attend had conveyed reasons for their absence.

On the same evening, former MLA Elambai R. Thamizhselvan was removed as Perambalur district secretary — the latest in a series of organisational reshuffles. Shanmugam claimed that Palaniswami has so far removed 31 district secretaries from their positions, a charge that underscores the scale of the internal churn.

What Palaniswami Said at the Meeting

According to party sources, Palaniswami used the gathering to explain the party's recent electoral performance and reassure functionaries — including newly appointed ones — that the AIADMK had previously navigated difficult political phases and returned to power despite severe setbacks. The address was framed as a morale-building exercise ahead of what the party expects to be a long road to recovery.

Shanmugam's Conditions for Dialogue

Shanmugam held separate consultations with supporting MLAs and office-bearers at his office on the same day. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said his camp was open to talks but set a clear precondition.

'We are ready for discussions, but the General Council meeting should be convened at the earliest. Our aim is to strengthen and unify the AIADMK by bringing back leaders who were expelled and those who drifted away from the party,' Shanmugam said.

He has reiterated his demand for an early meeting of the party's General Council to address crucial issues, including the AIADMK's repeated electoral setbacks in recent years. This comes amid concerns that continued internal divisions are giving the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) a prolonged window of political dominance in Tamil Nadu.

What Happens Next

The twin tracks of public unity calls and quiet mediation suggest neither side is ready for an open rupture, but the removal of district secretaries and parallel meetings signal that the internal contest for organisational control is intensifying. Whether the General Council demand becomes a flashpoint or a negotiating lever will likely determine the pace of any reconciliation.