Tamil Nadu: AIADMK faction led by Shanmugam declares support to TVK after rift with EPS

Shanmugham announced the support after reports of rift within AIADMK, particularly with Party Chief K Palaniswami, EPS, over whether or not to support Joseph Vijay.

Post Published By: Rohit Goyal

Updated : 12 May 2026, 11:51 AM IST

Shanmugam faction of AIADMK declares support to CM Vijay

Chennai: The group of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), led by former Ministers CV Shanmugam on Tuesday declared their support to the newly formed TVK government in Tamil Nadu.

Shanmugham announced the support after reports of rift within AIADMK, particularly with Party Chief K Palaniswami, EPS, over whether or not to support Joseph Vijay.

AIADMK Splits

The AIADMK party in Tamil Nadu has split into two factions. Party leader C.V. Shanmugam has officially announced his support for CM Vijay's party, the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). It is reported that 30 other MLAs have also pledged their support to Vijay alongside him.

Shanmugam Statement

On Tuesday morning, Shanmugam said, "We accept the public mandate. This mandate is not for the TVK, but for Vijay. Therefore, we extend our support to the TVK government. Had we formed an alliance with the DMK, the very existence of the AIADMK would have ceased."

"I have no intention of splitting the AIADMK. Edappadi Palaniswami remains our leader, " added Shanmugam.,

In the 2026 Assembly elections, the AIADMK managed to win only 47 seats. The AIADMK now consists solely of the Palaniswami faction, which comprises 17 leaders.