'More than 95% of party functionaries support Palaniswami': AIADMK

NEW DELHI: Senior AIADMK leader Agri SS Krishnamoorthy on Wednesday asserted that general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami enjoys the backing of “more than 95%” of the party’s organisational base.“Of our district secretaries, 75 attended yesterday’s organisational meeting. Similarly, of the 80 headquarters office-bearers, 60 were physically present. 10 office-bearers who could not attend informed us that they were out of station, while three were absent on medical grounds. This shows that more than 95% stand with the leadership of EPS,” Krishnamoorthy told reporters in Chennai, referring to Palaniswami by his initials.A meeting of AIADMK district secretaries and headquarters office-bearers held on Tuesday at the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai.He added that all the leaders who attended the meeting expressed confidence in the former Tamil Nadu chief minister by signing the official minutes book and pledged to work with loyalty and commitment.Criticising senior AIADMK leader Shanmugam for claiming that his recent removal from party posts was legally invalid, Krishnamoorthy reminded the former Rajya Sabha MP of the leadership’s role in his political rise.“Shanmugam is a lawyer and should not spread misleading information. He must remember who allowed him to serve in the Rajya Sabha, who cleared his candidature for the Assembly elections, and who approved his candidature for the 2026 Assembly elections from the Mailam constituency. The authority to sign the statutory ‘Form A’ and ‘Form B’ for electoral candidates rests with our general secretary,” Krishnamoorthy said.Krishnamoorthy added that Shanmugam had been relieved of his organisational responsibilities in accordance with the party’s rules as he violated the AIADMK’s bylaws and regulations.He also accused Shanmugam of "placing personal ambitions above party interests," alleging that despite having two years left in his Rajya Sabha tenure, he resigned from the Upper House to contest the assembly elections and secure a ministerial berth in Palaniswami-led government had the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won.“Even when there was considerable scepticism about the party reclaiming that Rajya Sabha seat, Palaniswami gave him the opportunity. His resignation has now reduced the party’s strength below the required five members for formal recognition in the Upper House,” Krishnamoorthy added.25 rebel AIADMK, including Shanmugam, had extended support to new chief minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s minority government during the floor test despite an AIADMK whip directing its legislators to vote against the new government.This split the AIADMK into two factions, with 25 rebel MLAs on one side and the remaining 22 on the other.(With PTI inputs)