Chennai: Former minister S.P. Velumani met AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) as reconciliation efforts between the two sides culminated in a decision to reunite, party sources said. The understanding was framed around a “forget and forgive” approach, with EPS said to have opted to accommodate all returning members.
According to sources, the rift had widened after a series of electoral setbacks, during which former minister C.V. Shanmugam mobilised a group opposing EPS. Velumani, who joined that camp, later steered it towards a pro-TVK alignment. The group subsequently weakened after four MLAs resigned their posts and moved to TVK, while five MLAs returned to the EPS camp.
With its strength reduced, Velumani’s side opened peace talks with EPS. As part of the outreach, former ministers Viswanathan and Thangamani met EPS on the evening of May 26. During the discussions, EPS is said to have assured immediate organisational posts at the party headquarters and promised district-level restructuring that would include district secretary positions.
On May 27, Velumani and 13 MLAs met EPS at his residence around 12:10 pm, after first gathering at Shanmugam’s office in MRC Nagar. Sources said Shanmugam was not keen on rejoining, and the meeting proceeded without him. The MLAs submitted a letter affirming acceptance of EPS’s leadership and their commitment to follow his directions.
Former minister C. Vijayabaskar did not accompany the delegation and went directly to the Secretariat, while Shanmugam reportedly returned to his Palavakkam residence. After the meeting, Velumani’s group went to the Secretariat and submitted a letter to the Speaker. Meanwhile, Thangamani met Shanmugam and brought him back to MRC Nagar, where reconciliation talks were said to be continuing.
