AIADMK split deepens: EPS presses disqualification case; Shanmugam faction hits back with "betrayal of core principles"

The legal battle triggered by the AIADMK's dramatic floor test split continued to intensify, as Edappadi K. Palaniswami's faction pressed forward with its disqualification petition against the 25 rebel MLAs who defied the party whip and voted for CM Vijay's confidence motion on May 13.

"We have submitted a petition seeking their disqualification. If the rebels vote against the whip issued by the party, the anti-defection law will apply to them," senior AIADMK leaders reiterated. Palaniswami personally attacked the rebel faction for what he termed "deliberate betrayal" and alleged the MLAs crossed the floor for "personal gains."

The Shanmugam-Velumani faction pushed back firmly, maintaining that their decision to support TVK was rooted in protecting the AIADMK's core founding principles — specifically, the anti-DMK identity — rather than personal interest. Both factions are consolidating their legal positions as the case is expected to go before the Assembly Speaker. The outcome will determine whether the rebels are formally disqualified, with significant implications for the composition of opposition benches in the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.