EPS Asserts Control Over AIADMK, Denies BJP Interference

In a firm declaration of authority, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the general secretary of the AIADMK, stated that he is the final decision-maker within the party and that there has been no interference from Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister and senior leader of the BJP. Speaking to reporters in Omalur, near Salem, EPS emphasized that the internal matters of the AIADMK are solely under his jurisdiction, while Shah governs the BJP’s affairs.

During a recent meeting in New Delhi with Shah, which included a brief one-on-one discussion lasting approximately 15 minutes, EPS confirmed that the conversation did not touch on AIADMK’s internal issues. “Amit Shah had previously stated that he would not interfere with AIADMK matters,” he said. “In the context of the NDA in Tamil Nadu, my word is final for the AIADMK, just as Amit Shah’s is for the BJP.”

In the backdrop of EPS’s statements, tensions within the AIADMK have surfaced. On March 15, 2024, dissident leader K.A. Sengottaiyan met with Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Finance Minister, to advocate for the re-integration of expelled members, including TTV Dhinakaran, O. Panneerselvam (OPS), and VK Sasikala. These leaders have expressed their intent to return to the party to bolster its strength against the ruling DMK in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Responding to criticism from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Dhinakaran regarding his appearance while exiting Shah’s residence, EPS defended himself, stating, “The meeting with the Home Minister was transparent. There was no need for me to hide my face. I was simply wiping my face after traveling.” He dismissed the scrutiny as politically motivated, stating, “Only mentally deranged individuals would twist this into a scandal.”

EPS also highlighted ongoing issues facing Tamil Nadu, referencing a significant kidney racket involving hospitals linked to DMK leaders. He questioned the relevance of his actions compared to these pressing matters, suggesting that media coverage aimed at undermining his reputation was misguided.

As the AIADMK navigates its internal challenges, EPS remains resolute in excluding expelled members from the party. “Action is being taken against those violating party discipline by engaging with expelled individuals,” he explained. He pointed out that Dhinakaran was expelled from the AIADMK by the late J. Jayalalithaa, and a special resolution mandates the expulsion of members engaging in anti-party activities.

Sengottaiyan’s recent removal from his party positions, shortly after issuing an ultimatum to EPS regarding talks for the return of expelled leaders, underscores the ongoing tensions within the AIADMK.

In defending the AIADMK’s re-entry into the NDA, EPS criticized Chief Minister Stalin for what he termed a “double game” in his dealings with the BJP. He pointed out that while the DMK had protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit in the past, the current government has altered its stance, now aligning with the BJP. “Stalin had accused Senthil Balaji of corruption when he was with the AIADMK, but now he is treated like a saint,” EPS remarked, questioning the integrity of the DMK’s alliance with the Congress party.

As the political landscape in Tamil Nadu evolves, the AIADMK’s position and internal cohesion will be critical as it prepares for the upcoming elections.