Spat Between Palaniswami and Panneerselvam Camps Coming in the Way of Rapprochement
The political landscape of Tamil Nadu has been witnessing a prolonged tussle between the two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) – one led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and the other by O. Panneerselvam (OPS). This infighting, which began after the demise of the party’s matriarch, J. Jayalalithaa, has continued to disrupt any hopes of unity within the AIADMK. Despite multiple attempts at reconciliation, the deep-seated rivalry between the two leaders and their supporters has acted as a major roadblock to rapprochement.
Origins of the Feud
The AIADMK had been a monolithic entity under Jayalalithaa’s leadership, but her passing in December 2016 left a leadership vacuum that led to internal strife. Initially, OPS, a long-time loyalist of Jayalalithaa, was made the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. However, soon after, VK Sasikala, Jayalalithaa’s close aide, attempted to consolidate power, leading to a political crisis. OPS rebelled against Sasikala and her faction but was eventually sidelined when EPS was made the Chief Minister with Sasikala’s support before she went to prison in connection with a disproportionate assets case.
In a dramatic turn of events, EPS distanced himself from Sasikala and eventually joined hands with OPS in 2017. This led to the ousting of Sasikala and her nephew, TTV Dhinakaran, from the party. The merger of the two factions, however, was fragile and built on convenience rather than mutual trust. The underlying tensions remained, and they erupted once again after the party’s defeat in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The Breaking Point
The power struggle between EPS and OPS reached its peak in 2022 when the AIADMK General Council, dominated by EPS loyalists, abolished the dual leadership structure and elevated EPS as the party’s sole leader. OPS, who opposed this move, was expelled from the party, leading to legal battles and internal rifts that further weakened AIADMK’s unity.
OPS, backed by a small but influential faction within the party, refused to accept his expulsion and continued to assert his leadership. His insistence on remaining a key player within AIADMK has led to multiple stand-offs between the two camps, preventing any meaningful reconciliation.
Attempts at Rapprochement and Failures
Despite the ongoing conflict, various political observers and party insiders have suggested that a united AIADMK could be a formidable force against the ruling DMK. However, every attempt at reconciliation has been met with resistance from both sides due to deeply ingrained mistrust and personal grievances.
Legal and Political Obstacles
One of the primary reasons for the failure of rapprochement is the legal battle between the two factions. OPS has challenged his expulsion in court, and the matter remains unresolved. The legal uncertainty has made it difficult for AIADMK leaders to come to a consensus on leadership.
Support Base and Influence
Another key reason behind the deadlock is the contrasting political influence of the two leaders. EPS has strong support among the AIADMK’s party cadre, particularly in the western region of Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, OPS enjoys support among certain sections of the Thevar community in the southern districts. These regional loyalties have created friction, with neither camp willing to cede ground to the other.
BJP’s Mediation Efforts
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been trying to consolidate its position in Tamil Nadu, has attempted to mediate between the two leaders. BJP leaders, including Union Ministers, have repeatedly emphasized the need for a united AIADMK to take on the DMK in the upcoming elections. However, their efforts have yielded little success due to the strong-willed stance of both EPS and OPS.
Impact on AIADMK’s Electoral Prospects
The ongoing feud has significantly weakened the AIADMK, making it difficult for the party to present a strong front against its political opponents. The split has led to voter confusion and dissatisfaction among grassroots workers. In the absence of a clear leadership structure, the AIADMK has struggled to mobilize support effectively.
Additionally, the party’s fractured state has given an advantage to its rivals, particularly the DMK, which has capitalized on AIADMK’s internal discord to strengthen its own position. The lack of unity within AIADMK has also raised concerns among its alliance partners, with some questioning the party’s ability to function cohesively in the future.
The Road Ahead
If AIADMK is to regain its lost ground, resolving the leadership crisis is imperative. There are a few possible scenarios for the future:
A Possible Reconciliation – If EPS and OPS manage to set aside their differences, AIADMK can present a united front. However, given the bitterness of the current dispute, this scenario appears unlikely unless external pressure forces them to compromise.
EPS Dominates AIADMK – If the legal battles favor EPS and he consolidates his hold over the party, OPS may be completely sidelined. This would provide AIADMK with clarity in leadership but could alienate OPS’s supporters.
Formation of a New Faction – If reconciliation efforts fail completely, OPS could form his own party or join forces with other political groups. This would further fragment the AIADMK’s vote bank, weakening its position in the state.
Conclusion
The ongoing spat between the Palaniswami and Panneerselvam camps continues to be a significant hurdle in the AIADMK’s quest for political stability. As long as the rift remains unresolved, the party’s ability to function as a cohesive unit will be compromised. Whether AIADMK leaders can bridge their differences or if the feud will lead to further fragmentation remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: without unity, AIADMK’s chances of staging a strong comeback in Tamil Nadu’s political arena remain bleak.
