CV Shanmugam; Edappadi K Palaniswami NEW DELHI: Senior AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam on Sunday launched a sharp attack on party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, alleging that a significant portion of the party’s recent electoral success came due to its alliance with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).He claimed that 31 of the 47 seats AIADMK won in the recent Tamil Nadu assembly elections were effectively “alms” given by its ally PMK, led by Anbumani Ramadoss.“They shamelessly claim victory in 47 constituencies. How is that a victory? Out of those 47 seats, 31 constituencies are alms given by,” Shanmugam told reporters in Tindivanam, visibly angry.He asserted that without the PMK alliance, AIADMK would have suffered heavy losses in northern Tamil Nadu and even struggled in key regions, including Palaniswami’s own strongholds.“If not for the alliance with the PMK, the AIADMK would have stumbled into a victory or lost heavily in northern districts like Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Dharmapuri, and even in Salem,” he said.Shanmugam also accused Palaniswami of weakening the party’s ideological identity, alleging that a small “clique of sycophants” had insulated him from ground realities, with cadres and second-line leaders “leaving the party like a deck of cards.”Invoking party history, he referred to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran’s expulsion from the DMK, arguing that leaders branded as “traitors” in the past had gone on to shape political outcomes.He further said that since the death of J. Jayalalithaa, the party has suffered repeated electoral defeats and declining vote share, while the leadership had failed to acknowledge responsibility.“Amma had the stature to say, ‘I take responsibility for this defeat’. But today, the current leadership refuses to even acknowledge failure and lives in a dream world,” he remarked.He warned that unless corrective action is taken immediately, the party could face further political consequences.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In StrikeRubio Tells EAM All Vessels Must Follow US Orders In Hormuz; India Protests Death Of 3 Mariners123PhotostoriesWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 daysThis wild cat can crush a skull with one bite10 baby boy names symbolising fortune and good luck6 most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in Thane for homebuyersNot every cancer begins with pain: Doctors reveal the everyday symptoms people often ignore for too long123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result
NEW DELHI: Senior AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam on Sunday launched a sharp attack on party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, alleging that a significant portion of the party’s recent electoral success came due to its alliance with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).He claimed that 31 of the 47 seats AIADMK won in the recent Tamil Nadu assembly elections were effectively “alms” given by its ally PMK, led by Anbumani Ramadoss.“They shamelessly claim victory in 47 constituencies. How is that a victory? Out of those 47 seats, 31 constituencies are alms given by,” Shanmugam told reporters in Tindivanam, visibly angry.He asserted that without the PMK alliance, AIADMK would have suffered heavy losses in northern Tamil Nadu and even struggled in key regions, including Palaniswami’s own strongholds.“If not for the alliance with the PMK, the AIADMK would have stumbled into a victory or lost heavily in northern districts like Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Dharmapuri, and even in Salem,” he said.Shanmugam also accused Palaniswami of weakening the party’s ideological identity, alleging that a small “clique of sycophants” had insulated him from ground realities, with cadres and second-line leaders “leaving the party like a deck of cards.”Invoking party history, he referred to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran’s expulsion from the DMK, arguing that leaders branded as “traitors” in the past had gone on to shape political outcomes.He further said that since the death of J. Jayalalithaa, the party has suffered repeated electoral defeats and declining vote share, while the leadership had failed to acknowledge responsibility.“Amma had the stature to say, ‘I take responsibility for this defeat’. But today, the current leadership refuses to even acknowledge failure and lives in a dream world,” he remarked.He warned that unless corrective action is taken immediately, the party could face further political consequences.(With PTI inputs)
