Chennai, May 15: The internal conflict within the AIADMK continues following its defeat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Edappadi K. Palaniswami recently removed three rebel leaders, including SP Velumani, from their positions. In response, Velumani took to social media on Friday to express his views.
On the platform ‘X’, AIADMK leader SP Velumani stated, “It is very unfortunate that the party’s general secretary still fails to understand the real situation.”
He further commented, “At no point did anyone deny or question the hard work and efforts put into Edappadi’s election campaign. However, regarding coalition and election-related matters, you (Edappadi) acted arbitrarily without consulting anyone or seeking input. As your younger brothers, we followed your directives and acted accordingly. Nevertheless, after the electoral defeat, the person in the leadership position should have reached out to everyone for discussions.”
Responding to Edappadi, Velumani remarked, “You have continued to speak from a ‘I am everything’ standpoint, a perspective that no honest party cadre can accept. This is the only viewpoint we, the majority of party legislators, senior officials, district party secretaries, and workers, are expressing.”
Velumani added, “We are working while respecting the decision made by the public. We have no intention of disrespecting anyone, nor do we wish to create divisions within the party. If you still call us, we are ready for discussions.”
He urged, “Let us all come together to review the reasons for our defeat. Let us collectively decide the party’s future direction. In your statement, you (Edappadi) said, ‘I am ready to make any sacrifice.’ All we ask is that instead of continuously telling people to ‘go away,’ invite them in with ‘come inside.’ Everything will change. The party will move forward.”
It is noteworthy that Edappadi K. Palaniswami has removed SP Velumani, CV Shanmugam, and Vijay from their positions. This action was reportedly taken due to alleged cross-voting during the majority test of the TVK government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
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