Is Palaniswami Visiting Delhi Amidst AIADMK Turmoil?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Palaniswami's visit is critical amid internal AIADMK disputes.
- Meetings with Amit Shah could redefine political alliances.
- The AIADMK's future hangs in the balance as elections approach.
Chennai, Sep 16 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami embarked on a journey to New Delhi on Tuesday morning amid the rising unrest within the party and evolving political dynamics in Tamil Nadu.
Palaniswami's unexpected trip follows weeks of internal disputes. Earlier this month, senior AIADMK figure K.A. Sengottaiyan was relieved of his party duties after issuing a ten-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of expelled officials.
Unpleased with this decision, Sengottaiyan traveled to Delhi last week and reportedly met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sparking significant discussion in political circles.
Compounding the uncertainty, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran withdrew from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), stating that he would not endorse EPS as the chief ministerial candidate for the coalition.
This exit has further strained the AIADMK-BJP alliance as the crucial 2026 Assembly elections approach.
In this charged environment, Palaniswami boarded a flight to Delhi from Chennai this morning, accompanied by senior AIADMK members K.P. Munusamy and S.P. Velumani. Officially, the trip aims to congratulate newly sworn-in Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. However, party sources indicate that EPS is also set to meet Amit Shah and other senior BJP leaders to address alliance concerns and reaffirm the AIADMK’s position within the NDA.
EPS has acknowledged the BJP's role in stabilizing the AIADMK government following the passing of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, which adds significance to his visit to Delhi.
As factionalism within the AIADMK persists and alliance partners begin to explore their options ahead of the elections, Palaniswami's trip is attracting considerable attention in both Chennai and Delhi.
These meetings could influence whether the AIADMK can maintain its status within the NDA or faces further disintegration at a pivotal moment.
Currently, all eyes are on Delhi, where the engagements of the AIADMK general secretary may be crucial for the party's immediate political prospects.