Shanmugam Skips AIADMK Peace Meeting, Fuelling Defection Buzz

Signs of reconciliation within the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam appeared uncertain on Friday after senior leader C. Ve. Shanmugam chose to stay away from recent peace talks with party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami , triggering renewed speculation over possible defections.

Former minister S. P. Velumani, who met Palaniswami earlier this week along with other rebel legislators, publicly accepted the leadership of the AIADMK chief and returned to his constituency to thank voters. In contrast, Shanmugam said his immediate focus was on meeting the people of Mailam who elected him to the Assembly.

The political uncertainty has intensified after reports suggested that Shanmugam and former minister C. Vijayabaskar could move closer to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The speculation follows the May 13 Assembly floor test , during which rebel AIADMK MLAs voted in favour of the TVK government, exposing deep divisions within the opposition party .

Although most rebel legislators later held discussions with Palaniswami and agreed to function under his leadership, Shanmugam’s absence from the truce meeting has kept questions alive over the party’s internal stability.

Vijayabaskar, meanwhile, held consultations with supporters in Viralimalai and said his next political decision would reflect the wishes of the people who elected him.

Velumani attempted to project unity by paying tribute to former leaders J Jayalalithaa, M G Ramachandran, and C N Annadurai , while thanking voters in Coimbatore district for their continued support.

The developments once again underline how Tamil Nadu’s opposition politics remains a delicate mix of rivalry, personal ambition, ego, and political survival , even as parties try to maintain a united public image ahead of future electoral contests.