AIADMK Faces Pressure to Reconsider Stance Against TVK Government in Tamil Nadu
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which declared on May 4, 2026, that it would not support a government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is now facing mounting pressure to revise its position, amid signs of internal dissent and reported negotiations with the TVK. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has not publicly clarified the party's stance, even as conflicting reports emerge about a meeting between him and TVK chief 'Bussy' N. Anand on May 6.
Newly elected AIADMK MLA Leema Rose claimed on May 5 that talks were underway between the two parties regarding government formation, though she became unreachable the following day. Meanwhile, C.Ve. Shanmugam, the MLA from Mailam and former Law Minister, has emerged as a focal point of internal lobbying, with sources indicating that a group of AIADMK legislators supports joining a TVK-led alliance. Shanmugam stated the decision rested with the party leadership.
Some AIADMK members, including MLAs L. Jayasudha, K.P. Anbalagan, and N. Thalaivai Sundaram, confirmed meeting Palaniswami on May 5 but said no discussion occurred about supporting the TVK government or any related signature campaign. The party won 47 seats in the elections, with 16 coming from the North Arcot-South Arcot (NASA) region, where Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani have strengthened their influence.
Certain party functionaries argue that aligning with TVK would position AIADMK as part of a political shift, especially given that the DMK has secured the Leader of Opposition role. They cite the preferences of 2.38 crore voters under 40 as a mandate for change. However, others warn that allying with TVK, which drew support from AIADMK's base, would cede the entire opposition space to the DMK. There are also unverified reports that TVK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan is in contact with AIADMK MLAs, raising concerns about potential party fragmentation.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly pushing AIADMK to back the TVK government to prevent Congress from playing a kingmaker role. Clarity is expected only after Palaniswami issues an official statement on the party’s position.