AIADMK Faction Backs Vijay Government, Signals Distance From BJP In Tamil Nadu

Political tensions in Tamil Nadu intensified after a faction within All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam publicly extended support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The move is being seen as a major setback for the BJP-led NDA alliance in the state and has triggered fresh speculation about a possible split within AIADMK.

Top Summary

• What happened: An AIADMK faction announced support for Vijay’s TVK government.
• Who leads the faction: Senior leaders S. P. Velumani and C. Ve. Shanmugam.
• Big political signal: The faction said AIADMK is not currently allied with the BJP.
• Why it matters: The development could reshape Tamil Nadu politics and impact NDA equations nationally.

AIADMK Faction Extends Support To TVK Government

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, faction leader C. Ve. Shanmugam said the group had decided to support the ruling TVK government after “accepting the people’s verdict.”

The faction also announced plans to formally meet Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and hand over a letter of support.

“No Alliance With BJP Now”

One of the biggest political takeaways from the announcement was the faction’s statement distancing itself from the BJP.

“We are not in alliance with any other party now,” Shanmugam said, adding that a “new alliance has to be formed.”

The comment is politically significant because:

• AIADMK has been aligned with the NDA nationally
• BJP has been trying to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu
• Vijay’s rise has altered the state’s political landscape

Sharp Attack On EPS

The faction also launched a direct attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS.

Shanmugam alleged that EPS had suggested forming a government with support from the DMK after election results, but claimed most MLAs opposed the idea.

According to him:

• AIADMK was created to oppose the DMK
• Any understanding with DMK would weaken the party’s identity

Rift Inside AIADMK Becomes Visible

Signs of division became clear during the Assembly session when AIADMK MLAs reportedly arrived in two separate groups:

• One loyal to EPS
• Another aligned with Velumani and Shanmugam

The rival faction claimed:

• S. P. Velumani had been elected legislature party leader
• C. Vijayabaskar was chosen as whip

Letters regarding these appointments were reportedly submitted to the pro tem Speaker.

Velumani Denies Formal Split

Despite escalating tensions, S. P. Velumani denied reports of a formal breakup within AIADMK.

He said the faction was waiting for the party leadership to take the “right decision” for the future of the organisation.

Why This Matters Politically

The development comes after AIADMK’s disappointing performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the party managed to win only 47 seats.

Political analysts believe:

• Vijay’s TVK is emerging as a major force
• AIADMK’s internal instability could benefit TVK further
• BJP’s southern strategy may face new complications if AIADMK weakens

Bottom Line

Support from a powerful AIADMK faction to Vijay’s government has added a new twist to Tamil Nadu politics. The move not only deepens the crisis inside AIADMK but also raises questions about the future of BJP’s alliance politics in the state.

What To Watch Next

• Meeting between the AIADMK faction and Vijay
• Possible disciplinary action inside AIADMK
• BJP’s response to the distancing remarks
• Future alliance talks ahead of upcoming elections