AIADMK Cadre Led by EPS Detained During Protest Over Rival Faction at Tamil Nadu Assembly

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK interim general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), along with party MLAs, was detained by Chennai Police for staging a protest at Valluvarkottam, Chennai, during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly session on October 19, 2022. The protest was organized to demand that Assembly Speaker Appavu de-recognize O. Panneerselvam (OPS) as the deputy floor leader of the party.

Protest Against Assembly Speaker

Despite being denied permission to hold the demonstration, EPS led AIADMK cadres to stage the protest. He accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of “using the police force to silence the Opposition” and alleged that Speaker Appavu was acting in favor of OPS under Stalin’s influence.

The Opposition MLAs were taken to Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore by police buses, where EPS denounced the move as a “murder of democracy.”

Disruption in Assembly Proceedings

During the second day of the Assembly session, Speaker Appavu instructed marshals to remove AIADMK members from the hall after they continued to disrupt proceedings, particularly over seating arrangements. EPS and party leaders expressed concerns over the Speaker favoring OPS, accusing the Chief Minister of attempting to weaken the AIADMK through internal party disputes.

Party Faction Conflict

The protest reflects the ongoing factional struggle within AIADMK. The EPS-led faction had previously expelled OPS and his supporters from the party and appointed R.B. Udhayakumar as the deputy leader of the Opposition. The incident highlights the deepening rift between the two factions, with both sides claiming legitimacy and leadership rights within the party.

Key Highlights

• EPS-led AIADMK staged a protest at Valluvarkottam, Chennai.

• Police detained EPS and other Opposition MLAs for unauthorized demonstration.

• Protest aimed to challenge OPS’s position as deputy floor leader.

• Speaker Appavu directed marshals to remove disrupting members from Assembly.

• EPS accused CM Stalin of manipulating the Speaker in favor of OPS.

The protest underscores the intensifying internal power struggle in AIADMK and the tense political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu.