Chennai, May 24: The AIADMK faced a significant setback on Sunday when Dr. P. Venugopal, a two-time MP from Tiruvallur, announced his resignation from the party. Venugopal is regarded as a prominent leader within the Scheduled Caste community.
Dr. Venugopal had been associated with the AIADMK for many years, holding key responsibilities since the inception of the party’s medical wing. He also served as the leader of the AIADMK parliamentary group in the Lok Sabha.
In his statement, Dr. Venugopal cited several political and social reasons for the party’s declining status. He pointed out the continuous drop in support among Scheduled Caste communities following the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He attributed the party’s poor performance to these factors.
According to Dr. Venugopal, reviving the party will require an inclusive political approach that brings together all sections and communities within the organization. He decided to leave amidst internal strife, following the recent departures of several senior leaders, including former minister S. Semmalai and former speaker P. Dhanapal.
Dr. Venugopal also criticized the leadership style of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. He suggested that better political acumen is needed in making crucial decisions related to the organization and elections. He criticized the candidate selection process, noting that under Jayalalithaa’s leadership, senior leaders were given opportunities in the Rajya Sabha, while the current approach has raised concerns among party workers.
It is noteworthy that the AIADMK has faced continuous electoral defeats. The party is struggling to regain its former political clout. With senior leaders leaving and factionalism emerging, the AIADMK now faces increased pressure to address organizational challenges and strengthen its base before future political battles.
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