AIADMK heading towards split; rebel faction set to join hands with Vijay

CHENNAI: While TVK is struggling to secure a majority to govern, there are indications that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is moving towards a split. A meeting of 36 AIADMK MLAs led by leaders Velumani, Vijayabhaskar and CV Shanmukham began in Chennai. TVK needs two seats for a simple majority. The AIADMK's dramatic move comes as VCK, which has two seats, is delaying its decision on offering support to Vijay.

The AIADMK had withdrawn from the move to form the government after party leader Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswami informed the MLAs about the decision. After bringing the MLAs who were in Puducherry to Chennai, party general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami wrote on social media, wishing success to the new government in the state. This was seen in Tamil Nadu politics as a sign of the AIADMK's withdrawal.

Although VCK has not yet announced its support, there are indications that a decision has been taken in favour of TVK in their state committee meeting. Congress national president Mallukarjun Kharge spoke to party president Thol Thirumalavan over the phone. VCK, which belongs to the 'India' front, had purportedly demanded the deputy CM post in Tamil Nadu from Vijay.