Chennai, July 16 (IANS) The AIADMK leadership has removed 11 office-bearers in Villupuram district from their organisational posts following a violent clash between rival factions during a party cadre meeting, as General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami moved to tighten discipline within the party’s district unit.

The action comes days after supporters of senior AIADMK leader C.Ve. Shanmugam and newly appointed Villupuram district secretary Pasupathi allegedly clashed during a cadre meeting held on July 9.

The confrontation reportedly escalated into violence, exposing simmering factional tensions in the district.

According to party sources, the meeting descended into chaos after members of the two groups exchanged heated arguments. The situation reportedly turned violent, with stones allegedly thrown at a vehicle and party workers staging a road blockade, prompting the leadership to intervene.

Following a review of the incident, the AIADMK leadership removed 11 functionaries identified with Shanmugam’s camp from their organisational responsibilities in Villupuram.

The disciplinary action is being viewed as an effort to restore order and reinforce discipline within the district unit.

The rivalry between the two camps has persisted since the Assembly elections, when the AIADMK suffered a setback and slipped to the third position in the state.

The electoral defeat triggered differences within sections of the party over leadership and organisational issues, particularly in Villupuram.

Although the AIADMK has since sought to project unity under Palaniswami’s leadership, local-level factionalism has continued in parts of the state.

In Villupuram, the appointment of Pasupathi as district secretary reportedly intensified the rivalry between his supporters and those loyal to Shanmugam.

The July 9 incident is considered one of the most serious displays of internal discord in the district unit in recent months.

By acting against the office-bearers, the party leadership has signalled that it will not tolerate activities that disrupt organisational functioning or damage the party’s image.

The AIADMK has not indicated whether additional disciplinary measures will follow in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, C.Ve. Shanmugam has not publicly responded to the removal of the 11 office-bearers or commented on the disciplinary action taken by the party leadership.

–IANS

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