AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami or EPS at a meeting with some party MLAs at his house in Chennai last Saturday.
However, former minister Shanmugam — who had earlier joined Velumani and other MLAs in urging the party to back the TVK government — was notably absent.
Tamil Nadu assembly speaker JCD Prabhakar said AIADMK MLAs had submitted their petitions to him and that he would examine them before announcing his decision on Thursday.
Also Read | 3 AIADMK MLAs' resignations accepted while EPS alleges ‘horse-trading’ by Vijay's TVK: What next for the rebels?
In a strong message shared on social media, the AIADMK invoked the legacy of late leader J Jayalalithaa to stress party unity.
Factions within the AIADMK reportedly patched up on Wednesday after rebel MLAs led by former minister SP Velumani met party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence and extended their support to his leadership. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami or EPS at a meeting with some party MLAs at his house in Chennai last Saturday. (AIADMK/ANI Photo)
Around 13 legislators accompanied Velumani during the meeting, news agency PTI reported. However, former minister Shanmugam — who had earlier joined Velumani and other MLAs in urging the party to back the TVK government — was notably absent.
Soon after meeting Palaniswami, Velumani, along with former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar, supporting MLAs and senior leaders including Agri SS Krishnamurthy, met Tamil Nadu assembly speaker JCD Prabhakar and submitted a letter stating that they would function as a united party in the Assembly. Vijayabaskar also withdrew his earlier request seeking recognition as the party whip.
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Velumani said that there was no split in the party and that the differences of opinion had been ‘set right’. He added that their intention was only to seek a review of the party’s electoral defeat and alleged that they were falsely accused of seeking positions.
Tamil Nadu assembly speaker JCD Prabhakar said AIADMK MLAs had submitted their petitions to him and that he would examine them before announcing his decision on Thursday.
This move follows weeks of deepening rift as the AIADMK faction led by CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani extended support to the TVK government in the Tamil Nadu assembly during the floor test, with Velumani accusing AIADMK of carrying out "politics opposing DMK". The AIADMK had sought the disqualification of 25 rebel MLAs who defied EPS' directives.
Also Read | 3 AIADMK MLAs' resignations accepted while EPS alleges ‘horse-trading’ by Vijay's TVK: What next for the rebels?
In a strong message shared on social media, the AIADMK invoked the legacy of late leader J Jayalalithaa to stress party unity.
Quoting Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK IT Wing said the party would continue to function solely for the welfare of the people, irrespective of how many centuries passed after her.
