Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami finds himself in a quandary as pressure mounts from senior party leader K.A. Sengottaiyan to unite the breakaway factions and “reunite” the AIADMK. Political analysts believe Palaniswami is in a position that is difficult to escape. They described Sengottaiyan’s rebellion as a hallmark of the BJP’s political strategy to control its ally. However, they predicted that Palaniswami would never risk his position in the party and would stand firm against the re-entry of expelled leaders. Many MLAs and senior leaders have come together in support of Palaniswami and his leadership. “For us, after MGR and Amma (Jayalalithaa), Edappadiar (Palaniswamy) is the leader of the party. He has faced many difficult situations and overcome them successfully.
Though it has not led to electoral gains, we still believe in his leadership,” said a sitting MLA from the western region. Another MLA from the region echoed the same sentiment and described Palaniswami as a “man of action” who stands firm in his decisions unlike other senior leaders. Party treasurer and former minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan dodged reporters’ pointed questions about Sengottaiyan’s warning, saying the party chief will take the final decision. Despite repeated attempts by reporters, the outspoken Sellur K. Raju refused to respond, while several senior leaders remained out of touch. Moreover, the silence of Natham R Vishwanathan, SP Velumani, KP Anbalagan and two others, who were part of the failed campaign for the AIADMK’s reunification six months ago, shows that they are neither willing to upset Palaniswami nor interested in creating another split in the party. A former district secretary of a northern district said, “We have to admit that if EPS agrees to reunion, it may help the party form Amma’s (Jayalalithaa) government in 2026. Otherwise, he will remain the leader of the opposition.
Since Palaniswami sees Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran as threats to his position, he is unlikely to take this risk.” Political analyst Rajan Kurai Krishnan described Sengottaiyan’s rebellion as the saffron party’s “last gambit in an ongoing political manoeuvre” to control its ally. State BJP leader Nainar Nagentharan’s quick response in support of the reunion call left no room for doubt. He added, “If he takes any step against the BJP, there will be an EPS-less faction in the AIADMK. So, he may resort to long negotiations, but whatever decision he takes will ultimately prove to be unfavourable for him.” Senior journalist and political critic ‘Tharasu’ Shyam remarked that Palaniswami had earlier successfully rebuffed BJP leader Amit Shah’s persistent efforts on the same issue. “Therefore, he will not bow down to Sengottaiyan’s demand,” he said. He further added that if Sengottaiyan follows through on his tall talk and tries to reunite the divided factions, it is likely to lead to the formation of another faction led by Sengottaiyan.
