On May 11, 2026, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) displayed signs of internal conflict during a session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The reception of party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and rebel leader S.P. Velumani highlighted the growing dissent, as Palaniswami was accompanied by only a few legislators compared to previous sessions. The atmosphere in the Assembly suggested a challenge to Palaniswami's leadership, with both leaders receiving similar levels of support from their colleagues. Discussions among dissident MLAs, particularly at the residence of former Law Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam, indicated strategic planning for their future actions. After the oath-taking ceremony, conflicting letters were presented to the Pro-tem Speaker, with one group claiming support for Palaniswami from 24 MLAs, while another group backed Velumani with claims of 30 MLAs. Despite these tensions, Palaniswami dismissed suggestions of a split in the party, referencing past attempts at reconciliation with former leaders.