Fresh signs of a major split have emerged within the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK, with internal divisions now spilling out into the open ahead of the first session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Sources indicated that a powerful section within the party is pushing for a leadership change, triggering speculation that EPS could soon face a direct challenge from within his own camp. Senior leaders SP Velumani, CV Shanmugam and C Vijayabaskar are said to be leading a parallel power bloc inside the party.

In a dramatic sign of the widening rift, sources said two separate groups within AIADMK arrived independently at the Assembly to take oath - one led by EPS and the other by the Velumani-Shanmugam-Vijayabaskar faction, which heads the larger group.

The rebellion appears to have gained momentum amid reports that a large section of AIADMK MLAs may be preparing to extend support to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and the ruling TVK government.

According to sources, as many as 36 of the AIADMK's 47 MLAs are ready to back Vijay in the Assembly, significantly strengthening the new government's numbers ahead of the floor test, which is scheduled for May 13.

If the support materialises, Vijay's tally in the House could reportedly rise to 156, giving the TVK-led dispensation a far more comfortable position during the trust vote.

Amid the fast-moving political developments, speculation is also growing that SP Velumani could emerge as the new power centre within AIADMK and may even be projected for the post of party general secretary if the revolt against EPS gathers pace.

The developments come at a crucial time for Tamil Nadu politics, with the first session of the newly elected Assembly beginning Monday and his newly-elected MLAs taking their oaths.

So far, there has been no official response from EPS or the AIADMK leadership on the reports of internal dissent and possible cross-support to the ruling side.

Diana George is Associate Editor at Times Now, with over a decade of experience covering national and international news, crime, and local politics. S...View More

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