Sources say the TVK leadership has conveyed to a group of AIADMK dissidents—led by former ministers—that they should build a stronger bloc of MLAs and function as a separate team in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The dissident MLAs had backed TVK during a confidence vote after the party assumed office, but they have not reconciled with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). Former ministers including S.P. Velumani, Shanmugam, Viswanathan and Anbazhagan are said to be continuing as a separate faction.
According to the dissident camp, TVK had assured ministerial and board chairperson posts in return for support, but did not follow through after winning the confidence vote. They also alleged that six MLAs from their side were later drawn into TVK, weakening their group and prompting them to write to EPS to safeguard their MLA positions.
The dissidents further claimed that tensions have surfaced within TVK’s alliance, with pressure from coalition partners and the possibility of another confidence motion after six months, including one that could be moved by opposition parties. In this backdrop, they said TVK is exploring alternatives and sees the AIADMK as a potential cushion.
As per the information shared by the dissidents, TVK leaders have suggested forming an MLA group in a way that does not attract anti-defection provisions, arguing that a stronger bloc could later help them regain control within the party. Following this, Velumani’s side is said to be holding fresh talks with AIADMK MLAs to increase numbers.
