The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is facing a significant internal conflict following the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. On May 11, 2026, the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the party's general secretary, was challenged when 30 MLAs expressed support for former Minister S.P. Velumani. The next day, the rebel faction, led by Velumani and C.Ve. Shanmugam, announced their backing for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a party led by actor-politician and current Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. In response, the AIADMK condemned the rebels, claiming they betrayed approximately 1.34 crore voters who supported the AIADMK alliance. The party asserted that it represents a broader movement of dedicated workers rather than just a few MLAs. This internal strife is not unprecedented, as the AIADMK has encountered similar rebellions throughout its history since its establishment in 1972.