The AIADMK's district-level field review meetings have descended into chaos, with multiple clashes breaking out between party members.
Published Dec 01, 2024 | 11:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 01, 2024 | 11:00 AM
AIADMK’s district-level review meetings — conducted to take stock of the party’s readiness ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections — have been drawing attention, albeit for all the wrong reasons.
Originally aimed at assessing the party’s activities and improving operations, AIADMK’s review meetings descended into chaos in the last week starting 22 November. The first commotion among the AIADMK cadre was witnessed during the party’s district-level meetings held in Tirunelveli and Kumbakonam.
In Tirunelveli, a scuffle broke out between AIADMK executives in the presence of former minister SP Velumani, despite his efforts to mediate. The situation escalated as party members split into opposing factions and engaged in violent clashes.
This set the tone for the day, as the field review meeting in Kumbakonam, led by Thangamani and Dindigul Srinivasan, saw a similar outburst. Party members engaged in fierce arguments, with Thangamani openly lamenting about the lack of “unity among AIADMK executives.”
A similar incident occurred on the same day in Kumbakonam during a meeting led by Thangamani and Dindigul Srinivasan, with party members arguing fiercely and getting involved in a brawl. Thangamani expressed disappointment at the ruckus created during the meeting and said, “There is no unity among AIADMK executives.”
The seemingly unending saga continued on 25 November, as Madurai and Coimbatore units followed suit.
In Madurai, a physical altercation broke out during the field inspection meeting between supporters of Sellur Raju and Dr. Saravana, that too in the presence of senior party observers Natham Viswanathan and Semmalai, resulting in a wave of tension.
Then, on 28 November, during a field research meeting in Coimbatore, a disturbance occurred when party worker Jayaraj from Ramanathapuram voiced his frustrations about being ignored, which led to a public outburst. When former minister Velumani was speaking, Jayaraj interrupted to ask why AIADMK workers wanted to express anything and asked “Just tell us why we lost? (in Lok Sabha elections)” causing a stir.
These meetings were part of a larger initiative and the field review committee was tasked with assessing the work of AIADMK branches, wards, district organisations, and affiliated bodies. Though conducted annually, this year’s meetings gains significance due to the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
The committee was tasked with gathering feedback on party operations, ensuring the distribution of renewed membership cards, and submitting a report on the progress made ahead of the 2026 polls.
The committee includes ten former ministers and key party leaders like Dy General Secretaries KP Munusamy and Natham Viswanathan; Treasurer Dindigul Srinivasan and Headquarters Secretary SP Velumani; Organising Secretaries P Thangamani, T Jayakumar among others.
They were assigned specific districts to conduct their reviews: KP Munusamy and Valarmathi focused on Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, and Krishnagiri while Dindigul Srinivasan and Thangamani were responsible for Salem, Namakkal, and nearby districts.
Meanwhile, other senior leaders have been assigned to conduct field inspections in other regions of the state.
A senior figure from AIADMK’s Madurai Urban District, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to South First about the likely reasons behind the outbursts – result of long-standing frustrations.
“After every election, AIADMK usually holds a consultative meeting, whether it wins or loses. Through this, the grievances of the administrators are heard to an extent,” he said.
However, since the demise of former CM Jayalalithaa, “There has been no outlet for administrators to vent their grievances for nine years now. That frustration is what is causing the current tension in field study meetings,” he pointed out.
Further, he said that only the top-level administrators of respective district organisations are allowed to speak during the field study meeting. As a result, anger from party members frustrated by their inability to speak freely has contributed to a volatile atmosphere.
“They also try expressing their anger towards district secretaries, who retaliate in return. That is what happened in Tirunelveli and Madurai. But AIADMK’s image is being tarnished due to these clashes as people aren’t aware about the problems administrators are facing,” he explained.
On 28 November, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the AIADMK’s field inspections while speaking at a welfare event organised in Vepery, Chennai to celebrate his birthday.
He mocked the meetings and said, “AIADMK is conducting riot inspections at every place and calling it field inspections. Former ministers are not even able to speak at such meetings while party members are busy causing a commotion that disrupts meetings,” he said. He also questioned the need for such field meetings amid the ongoing unrest.
Defending AIADMK’s process, former minister RB Udhayakumar attacked Udhayanidhi for spreading false narratives: “The AIADMK’s field inspection meetings have given people confidence and a new impetus to the workers.”
“Conflict of opinions is a sign of democracy. There have been large-scale conflicts in the AIADMK before and the party has always emerged stronger,” he concluded.
As tensions escalated across Tamil Nadu, the field review meeting scheduled to take place at Salem on 26 November was postponed. Eventually, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Edappadi K Palaniswami took charge and rescheduled the meeting for 29 November.
To prevent any further clashes, strict restrictions were imposed on the press and media in Salem, and Palaniswami’s presence at the meeting was seen as a measure to ensure it proceeded without incident.
(Edited by Neena)
