In an unusual decision, the AIADMK has chosen to relieve MLA and senior member Thalavai N Sundaram from all party positions, citing a violation of party bylaws. General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made this announcement on 8 October 2024. This move underscores the AIADMK’s submission to pressure from its rival, the ruling DMK, and is seen as another hasty reaction to sustain its identity as a Dravidian party.
மாண்புமிகு கழகப் பொதுச்செயலாளர் 'புரட்சித் தமிழர்' திரு. @EPSTamilNadu அவர்களின் முக்கிய அறிவிப்பு. pic.twitter.com/G5TlliCgoe
— AIADMK – Say No To Drugs & DMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 8, 2024
Thalavai N Sundaram has been suspended from his roles as the AIADMK’s organizing secretary and Kanniyakumari East district secretary. This decision follows his participation in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) rally in Kanniyakumari just two days prior.
Since the AIADMK severed ties with the BJP in September 2023, General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has repeatedly emphasized that the party will not collaborate with the BJP in the future, including during the 2026 Assembly elections. Sundaram’s involvement in the RSS rally may have been perceived as damaging to the party’s image.
While Palaniswami’s suspension announcement did not specify the reasons, he indicated that Sundaram’s actions were contrary to party principles. As an inquiry is needed, Sundaram has been temporarily relieved of all party positions.
In response to the suspension, Sundaram stated that he attended the rally solely as an MLA and did not breach any principles.
This development occurs amidst concerns about the AIADMK’s weakening position, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts. BJP State Convenor H. Raja welcomed Sundaram, suggesting he might consider joining the BJP.
Sundaram has a long history with the AIADMK, having been elected as an MLA from Kanniyakumari in 2001. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member from April 1996 to May 2002. He held various ministerial roles in J. Jayalalithaa’s cabinet from 2001 to 2006, covering key areas such as revenue and public works. Although he was dropped from the cabinet in December 2002 and relieved of his organizing secretary duties in December 2011, he was later appointed Kanniyakumari East secretary in July 2014. He returned to the Assembly by winning his seat again in the 2021 elections.
(With inputs from TNIE)
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