Veteran AIADMK leader Semmalai quit the party

Former minister S. Semmalai addresses a press conference in Salem on May 18, 2026 announcing his resignation from the AIADMK | Photo credit: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

In a major blow to former AIADMK Chief Minister and General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, veteran AIADMK leader and former minister S. Semmalai quit the party on Monday (May 18, 2026).

Speaking to reporters in Salem, Mr. Semmalai, considered a strong supporter of Mr. Palaniswami, said what was happening in the AIADMK after the recent Assembly elections had caused him pain. “People know how former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa protected this party. But now the AIADMK has weakened and no one in the party cares enough to strengthen it. Leaders and functionaries play an important role to make the party strong.”

He added, “But currently the senior leaders are unable to develop the AIADMK. Without a clear plan to strengthen the party, it is impossible to save it. Mrs. Jayalalithaa said that the AIADMK would last 100 years in politics. Currently, the leaders have not discussed or taken any decisions. If they do, the party will return to a position of strength.”

“Senior leaders must solve problems”

Stating that former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa had entrusted him with many key posts, he added, “After my decision to leave the party, AIADMK leaders, including Edappadi K. Palaniswami, should give up their egos, solve the problems in the party and save the AIADMK. It is suffering like motherless children,” Mr. Semmalai added.

Asked if the AIADMK is getting divided because of some new entrants, he explained, “AIADMK is a developed party. Anyone can be inducted into the party. People who have joined the party should work for the growth of the party.”

Mr Semmalai dismissed “conspiracy theories” and said there was no conspiracy outside the party. “All the leaders should sit and take decisions with one voice. The party has a general secretary and the leaders should discuss it with him. BJP is not the reason for the ongoing problems,” he said. He added that it would not be fair to blame Mr. Palaniswami, who had worked hard for the party since Jayalalithaa’s demise and during the elections. “The reason for the defeat is internal problems within the party. Even the MLAs who support the TVK government say that Mr. Palaniswami is their general secretary,” he noted.

He wanted the General Council to be convened to resolve issues within the party. Mr Semmalai said he was taking a break and would stay at his daughter’s house in the US for the next month, but hoped things would be resolved before he returned.

Published – 18 May 2026 14:16 IST