The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is witnessing a complex power play within the AIADMK, the once-unified and powerful political party that has now split into multiple factions. As leaders jostle for control and influence, the game has begun in earnest, with legal troubles, political maneuvering, and claims of reunification all adding to the drama. The party’s internal rift, compounded by external forces, is setting the stage for a battle that could determine the future of AIADMK and its prospects in the 2026 Tamil Nadu state elections.
A Fragmented AIADMK: EPS vs. OPS
At the heart of this political turmoil is the division between Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and O. Panneerselvam (OPS), two leaders who once stood united under the AIADMK banner but now lead rival factions. EPS, the current AIADMK general secretary, holds control of the party’s official symbol, the iconic “Two Leaves,” and commands the larger faction of the party. On the other hand, OPS leads a minority faction and claims to be the rightful leader of AIADMK, calling for a reunification of the split party.
The rivalry between these two factions has weakened AIADMK’s political standing, with vote shares being fractured across the state. As the party that ruled Tamil Nadu for decades under the leadership of J. Jayalalithaa, AIADMK’s fragmentation has left a void in opposition politics, with neither faction able to rally the strength the party once wielded.
Sasikala’s Ambitions: Another Contender in the Mix
Adding further complexity to the equation is the role of V.K. Sasikala, the long-time confidante of Jayalalithaa. Sasikala, who was sidelined after her conviction in a disproportionate assets case, continues to maintain her influence in Tamil Nadu’s political circles. She leads yet another group that claims to have the power to reunite the fractured AIADMK. Sasikala’s repeated assertions that she will bring AIADMK back together have left many wondering whether she can indeed leverage her remaining influence to become a kingmaker—or queenmaker—in Tamil Nadu politics.
Though Sasikala’s group does not hold the official party symbol or command a significant following within the AIADMK, her persistence in claiming leadership suggests that she intends to remain a key player in the game.
The ED Raids: Pressure on OPS Faction
The political drama took a new turn with recent legal action against supporters of O. Panneerselvam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched raids on the properties of R. Vaithilingam, an MLA from Orathanad and a key OPS supporter, as part of a money laundering investigation. On October 23, a team of 11 ED officials conducted searches at Vaithilingam’s residence in Thanjavur district, along with other properties linked to him in cities like Chennai.
These raids are part of a broader inquiry into allegations that Vaithilingam amassed disproportionate wealth while serving as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development between 2011 and 2016, during the AIADMK government led by Jayalalithaa. The investigation, which follows an earlier probe by the Anti-Corruption Department, has put increased pressure on the OPS faction, raising questions about whether these legal troubles are politically motivated.
The timing of these raids, just as the political buzz around AIADMK’s reunification efforts is gaining momentum, has not gone unnoticed. Analysts believe that this legal scrutiny could be part of a larger strategy to pressure OPS into reconsidering his stance and pave the way for a potential rapprochement with EPS.
The Income Tax Raids: EPS Under the Lens
Not to be outdone, the EPS camp is also facing legal scrutiny. On October 24, a team from the Income Tax Department carried out searches for a second consecutive day at properties linked to R. Elangovan, the Salem rural district secretary of AIADMK and a close associate of Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The searches targeted educational institutions, including the Musiri Institute of Technology and MIT College of Agriculture and Technology in Trichy district, both of which Elangovan helped establish.
While the official reason behind these searches remains unclear, their occurrence amid the backdrop of AIADMK’s internal turmoil has fueled speculation. Political observers are questioning whether these raids are part of a larger plan to bring both factions—EPS and OPS—together, as the continued split threatens to erode AIADMK’s electoral prospects.
Is an External Party Playing the Game?
The coordinated nature of the raids on both the OPS and EPS camps has led many political strategists to speculate that external forces may be pulling the strings. The timing of the investigations, alongside growing calls for reunification, suggests a deliberate attempt to pressure the two leaders into joining forces. With AIADMK’s vote share splintered between rival factions, a united front is seen as essential to mounting a serious challenge in the 2026 state elections.
Political analysts believe that the game unfolding in Tamil Nadu may have larger implications, with an external political party—potentially the ruling BJP—trying to orchestrate a reunion for its own strategic benefit. A unified AIADMK would be a stronger ally, helping consolidate the BJP’s presence in the southern state, where it has struggled to gain a significant foothold. By subtly influencing events within AIADMK, it is thought that the BJP could position itself as a key player in Tamil Nadu’s political future.
The Road Ahead: Will AIADMK Reunite?
As investigations continue and the pressure mounts, the question remains: will AIADMK reunite? While both OPS and Sasikala have expressed their intentions to bring the party together, it is EPS who currently holds the reins of the party. However, as political winds shift and external pressures increase, the game to reunite AIADMK is far from over.
What is clear is that Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is entering a critical phase. The road to the 2026 elections will be marked by shifting alliances, strategic maneuvering, and perhaps even a long-awaited reunion of the once-powerful AIADMK. Whether this reunion happens by choice or under external pressure remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the game has well and truly begun.