Chennai: Warring factions within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday moved towards reconciliation, with leaders from both camps signalling unity and a possible end to the internal rift. Former minister K C Veeramani, after reaching senior leader C Ve Shanmugam's residence where MLAs from the rebel camp were asked to assemble, said, "It is over. We are all together like mother and child." The AIADMK's IT wing also sought to downplay the differences, asserting there was "no division" within the party and describing it as an "iron fortress" built on the sacrifices of cadres.
Key Meetings Signal Unity
In a parallel development, former minister S P Velumani, along with 11 MLAs from the rebel camp, called on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami at his Greenways Road residence. The meeting followed a marathon round of talks between the two sides in the last couple of days, indicating a thaw in relations.
Agreement on Leadership and Anti-Defection
Sources revealed that the Velumani-led group agreed to function under Palaniswami's leadership. In return, Palaniswami is learnt to have agreed to withdraw his complaint seeking action against rebel MLAs under the anti-defection law. The leaders are likely to meet Speaker J C D Prabhakar later in the day and submit a representation from Palaniswami requesting that no action be initiated against the MLAs.
This reconciliation marks a significant step towards ending the internal strife that has plagued the AIADMK, with both sides demonstrating a willingness to work together for the party's strength and unity.
