Chennai: A fresh round of unease has surfaced within the AIADMK’s dissident camp led by former ministers S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugam, after Chief Minister Vijay’s government received their support in the Assembly.
With the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) not securing a clear majority in the Assembly election, a trust vote held on May 13 became crucial. According to party sources, 25 AIADMK MLAs aligned with the Velumani–Shanmugam camp voted in favour of the TVK government.
In return, the group is said to be seeking representation in the cabinet and appointments in boards and corporations. However, reports suggest the TVK leadership is reluctant to offer ministerial berths, citing internal concerns.
AIADMK sources claim resistance within TVK stems from the presence of corruption cases against several former AIADMK ministers, with fears that inducting them could tarnish TVK’s image. They also pointed to the absence of senior TVK functionaries during the Chief Minister’s visit to Shanmugam’s office, and said strategist John Arokiyasamy has cautioned against giving posts that could invite reputational damage.
Sources added that Velumani has been urging his supporters to remain patient, assuring them that a share in power will come. But if no decision emerges in the next couple of days, the dissident camp itself could face the risk of a split, they said.
