Nearly 25 to 27 newly-elected members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have been accommodated at a resort in neighboring Puducherry, party leaders said on Thursday, amid speculation of attempts by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to secure support to form the government.
This development comes months after veteran AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan switched over to TVK led by actor-politician Vijay in January 2026. Sengottaiyan has reportedly reached out to some of his former associates in the AIADMK camp as TVK seeks to cross the 118 majority mark in the Assembly. With the support of Congress, TVK currently has the support of 113 legislators.
Amid speculation about possible support for TVK, senior AIADMK leader KP Munusamy, who unsuccessfully contested from the Veppanahalli assembly segment, denied any such move.
“In any situation, the AIADMK did not extend support to TVK. We are issuing this clarification as per the directions of our party general secretary,” Munusamy said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, AIADMK leader and former MLA S Semmalai said party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami will take the final decision on the party’s political strategy.
“As far as the AIADMK is concerned, Edappadi K Palaniswami is an experienced political leader. He will implement his political stand perfectly on what to do and how to do it,” Simalai said.
“In the AIADMK, whatever he thinks and decides, that is what will happen. The decision he takes will only be for the good,” he added.
Responding to questions regarding accommodation of MLAs in a resort in Puducherry, Semmalai defended the move.
“What is the problem here? The procedure and tradition of our legislative members is to elect our legislative leader. That has been done. Now, for the next course of action, there is a necessity to stay in Puducherry without going to their hometown. That is why they are here. What is wrong with this?” he asked.
Dismissing speculation that Sengottaiyan might convince AIADMK legislators to change his stance, Simalai said, “Nothing like that will happen. Our paralegals are not that kind of people. All our paralegals are bound by the words of our general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. These are just speculations and rumours.”
Asked about rumors of a possible alliance between the DMK and AIADMK, he reiterated that only Palaniswami would decide the future course of the party.
“Whatever the decision is, our Secretary General will take a good and firm decision. The decision he takes will be final. It will only be for the good. He is not a kingmaker. He himself is a king,” Simalai said.
