---
title: "AIADMK Factions Face Internal Strife Amid State-Wide Protests"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/aiadmk-factions-face-internal-strife-amid-protests-qtlr4
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-14T19:18:31.678Z
modified: 2026-08-14T22:00:05.609Z
language: en-IN
---

# AIADMK Factions Face Internal Strife Amid State-Wide Protests

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami led state-wide demonstrations on Friday, highlighting farmer issues and government policies. The events saw defections from rebel factions and internal party divisions.

## Key takeaways

- AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami led state-wide protests on Friday.
- The demonstrations focused on farmer loan waivers, water disputes, and power supply issues.
- Several former ministers and party officials participated in the protests, indicating internal party shifts.
- The events highlight ongoing divisions within the AIADMK, with some rebels joining Palaniswami's camp.

State-wide demonstrations orchestrated by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami occurred on Friday, drawing significant participation from his supporters and revealing divisions within the opposition ranks. Mr. Palaniswami addressed a rally in Thanjavur.

## What Happened

The protests were organized to criticize the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government on multiple fronts. Key issues raised included the government's failure to implement a full waiver of cooperative crop loans for farmers, perceived inaction on the Mekedatu dam project, and the non-securement of the State's allocated share of Cauvery water. Additionally, the demonstrations demanded the provision of 24-hour power supply to farmers.

Prominent figures from the rebel camp participated in the protests. Former Electricity Minister P. Thangamani joined the agitation in Salem, expressing his belief that Mr. Palaniswami would soon resume the position of Chief Minister. Former Ministers P. Balakrishna Reddy and K.C. Veeramani attended demonstrations in Namakkal and Tirupattur, respectively.

These events follow a period of internal dissent where 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs voted in favor of the TVK-led government during a confidence vote on May 13. Following this, Mr. Palaniswami had removed Mr. Thangamani, Mr. Reddy, Mr. Kamaraj, and Mr. Veeramani from their district secretary positions.

Several party officials who were assigned leadership roles for the day's demonstrations did not participate. These included deputy general secretaries Natham R. Viswanathan and S.P. Velumani, as well as K.P. Anbalagan. These individuals had previously held district secretary roles.

During the Thanjavur rally, Mr. Palaniswami called on the state government to ensure sufficient water supply for farmers during the upcoming samba cultivation season, noting the difficulties faced by farmers during the current kuruvai season. He also urged the government to fulfill its electoral promise regarding the complete waiver of crop loans, as outlined in its manifesto.

## Key Facts

- AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami called for state-wide demonstrations on Friday.
- The protests criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led regime for not fully waiving cooperative crop loans for farmers.
- Other grievances included being "lax" on the Mekedatu dam issue and not securing the State’s share of Cauvery water.
- A demand was made for a 24-hour power supply to farmers.
- Former Electricity Minister P. Thangamani, who was part of the rebels, participated in the Salem protest.
- Former Ministers P. Balakrishna Reddy and K.C. Veeramani attended protests in Namakkal and Tirupattur.
- Previously, 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs supported the TVK-led government in a confidence vote on May 13.
- Mr. Palaniswami had removed Mr. Thangamani, Mr. Reddy, Mr. Kamaraj, and Mr. Veeramani from district secretary posts after the vote.
- Officials such as Natham R. Viswanathan, S.P. Velumani, and K.P. Anbalagan did not participate in the Friday agitation despite being assigned leadership roles.
- Mr. Palaniswami urged the state government to ensure adequate water supply for farmers during the samba cultivation season.
- He also called for the government to honor its manifesto promise of a full crop loan waiver.
- AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed protesters in Thanjavur on Friday.
- Mr. Palaniswami was joined by O.S. Manian, deputy leader of the party in the Assembly, and former Food Minister R. Kamaraj.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/aiadmk-factions-face-internal-strife-amid-protests-qtlr4
Reported from: Multiple Sources