Confusion over AIADMK expected to end soon The Madras High Court AIADMK interim general secretary, Edappadi K. ruled in favor of PalaniswamiMatter relating to resolutions adopted in the party July 2022 Special General Council meeting, The development may not lead to an immediate closure of the legal battle, as his colleague-turned-noir O.J. Panneerselvam and his followers – the court rejected their interim applications – have approached a division bench of the court. But, the judgment has provided much needed clarity on the matter of leadership. shortly after the verdict Mr. Palaniswami declared elected Unopposed as General Secretary of the party. Ever since the debate between the two camps on the nature of party leadership – unitary or dual – began in June last year, the matter is locked in litigation before the higher judiciary. Most often, the camp led by Mr. Palaniswami got favorable verdicts, which included February 2023 decision of the Supreme Court Which confirmed the decision of the Madras High Court upholding the conduct of the July 2022 meeting.
Mr Palaniswami must now focus his time, energy and resources on ensuring that his party plays the role of a more effective opposition unit, as infighting and litigation within the party have fueled a perception of ineffective functioning. He should also try to increase the mass base of the party. Its vote share of 44.34% of the seats contested during the 2014 Lok Sabha election (when it fielded candidates in all constituencies in Tamil Nadu) fell to 35.2% five years later when the party led a coalition that included the BJP, PMK and DMDK was involved. , Although there was an improvement of 40.48% in the 2021 assembly elections, the AIADMK was still around 6% behind its traditional rival, the DMK. Going by the reactions of the BJP and PMK leadership to the new General Secretary, the AIADMK may poach these parties for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, if the idea of a “mega alliance” mooted by Mr. Palaniswami a few months back is to fructify, it will need more allies. Mr. Panneerselvam, who seems to be embroiled in a constant legal battle, has two options – either reconcile with Mr. Palaniswami or launch a party. Going it alone, he will only repeat what Mr Dhinakaran did in 2019 and 2021 – snatch a chunk of the AIADMK votes. Only when the principal opposition party is able to bring together more and more parties and groups, its electoral battle with the DMK and its allies next year will intensify. Shri Palaniswami has a huge role to play in making this possible. A well-intentioned, credible opposition that raises the level of political dialogue in Tamil Nadu can certainly aid governance.