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The Hindu Editorial • May 13, 2026 • Read Original

Split wide open: On the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu politics

The AIADMK seems set on the path of self-destruction

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The Hindu Read Original
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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on May 13, 2026

Split wide open: On the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu politics

The AIADMK seems set on the path of self-destruction

AIADMK SplitTamil Nadu PoliticsTVK GovernmentAnti-defection LawEPS vs Shanmugam
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 15
English Original

It is no surprise that the AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the previous Tamil Nadu Assembly, is heading towards a split, having faced a second successive setback in the recent Assembly election, apart from several defeats in parliamentary elections.

Simple Present S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clauses Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
A placeholder subject used to introduce the statement
Verb What is happening
is
The linking verb that connects the subject to its description
Complement Completes meaning
no surprise
Something that was expected to happen
Adjunct Additional info
that the AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the previous Tamil Nadu Assembly, is heading towards a split
The fact that the main opposition party is about to break into different groups
Adjunct Additional info
having faced a second successive setback in the recent Assembly election, apart from several defeats in parliamentary elections
Because they lost the last two state elections and many national elections as well
Context and Background
AIADMK

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has been struggling to maintain its base after the demise of its iconic leaders and successive electoral defeats to rival parties.

Sentence 2 of 15
English Original

As of now, the 47 MLAs from the Dravidian major are divided over their support for the leadership of General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who was until recently the Leader of Opposition.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct Main Clause with Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
As of now
At this current moment
Subject Who/What
the 47 MLAs from the Dravidian major
The forty-seven members of the legislative assembly belonging to the AIADMK party
Verb What is happening
are divided
Have different opinions or support different groups
Adjunct Additional info
over their support for the leadership of General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who was until recently the Leader of Opposition
Regarding whether they support EPS, who was previously the head of the opposition in the assembly
Context and Background
Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS)

Edappadi K. Palaniswami is the General Secretary of the AIADMK and served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021. He has been the primary face of the party following the split with O. Panneerselvam.

Sentence 3 of 15
English Original

On Monday, the two groups made written submissions to Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppiah regarding their claims.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O + IO + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
On Monday
The specific day the event happened
Subject Who/What
the two groups
The two factions within the AIADMK party
Verb What is happening
made
Did or submitted something
Object What receives action
written submissions
Formal written documents or requests
Indirect Object To/For whom
to Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppiah
To the person acting as the temporary head of the assembly
Adjunct Additional info
regarding their claims
About what they are asking for or asserting as their right
Context and Background
Pro-tem Speaker

The term ‘Pro-tem’ means ‘for the time being’. A Pro-tem Speaker is appointed by the Governor to perform the duties of the Speaker until a permanent one is elected by the members of the House. Their main role is to administer the oath to new members.

Sentence 4 of 15
English Original

Though there is no clarity on the strength of the two factions, the dissident group, led by former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, appears to enjoy the support of more legislators.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Dependent Clause + Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Though there is no clarity on the strength of the two factions
Even though we don’t know exactly how many people are in each of the two groups
Subject Who/What
the dissident group, led by former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani
The group that disagrees with the party leader, headed by two former ministers
Verb What is happening
appears
Seems to be or looks like
Complement Completes meaning
to enjoy the support of more legislators
To have more assembly members on their side
Sentence 5 of 15
English Original

This group has announced its decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government; Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, by visiting the office of Mr. Shanmugam and meeting him and his colleagues on Tuesday, has indicated where his sympathies lie.

Present Perfect S + V + O ; S + Adjunct + V + O Two Independent Clauses Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This group
The group of AIADMK MLAs who disagree with the party leader
Verb What is happening
has announced
Has officially made a statement
Object What receives action
its decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government
Their choice to help and vote with the party currently in power
Subject Who/What
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
The leader of the Tamil Nadu government
Adjunct Additional info
by visiting the office of Mr. Shanmugam and meeting him and his colleagues on Tuesday
By going to the rebel leader’s workplace to talk with him and his partners
Verb What is happening
has indicated
Has shown or suggested
Object What receives action
where his sympathies lie
Which group he favors or supports
Context and Background
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is a political party in Tamil Nadu founded by popular actor Vijay in 2024. In the 2026 elections, the party emerged as a major political force, leading to Vijay becoming the Chief Minister.

Sentence 6 of 15
English Original

This appears to be part of Mr. Vijay’s political outreach, as he has met DMK chief M.K. Stalin and several other leaders in the past two days.

Simple Present S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This
The act of the Chief Minister visiting the rebel leader’s office
Verb What is happening
appears
Seems to be
Complement Completes meaning
to be part of Mr. Vijay’s political outreach
To be a step in his plan to connect with different political leaders
Adjunct Additional info
as he has met DMK chief M.K. Stalin and several other leaders in the past two days
Because he has also seen the head of the DMK party and other important politicians recently
Sentence 7 of 15
English Original

It carries political significance, as the Chief Minister is due to move a trust vote in the House on Wednesday.

Simple Present S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
The current political situation and meetings
Verb What is happening
carries
Has or holds
Object What receives action
political significance
Importance in the world of politics
Adjunct Additional info
as the Chief Minister is due to move a trust vote in the House on Wednesday
Because the leader of the state will ask the assembly to vote on whether they still support him tomorrow
Sentence 8 of 15
English Original

Unlike previous occasions when the AIADMK publicly announced the election of its legislature party leader and other functionaries, there has been no official announcement this time.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause + Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Unlike previous occasions when the AIADMK publicly announced the election of its legislature party leader and other functionaries
Differently from other times when the party openly told everyone who their leaders and officers were
Subject Who/What
there
A word used to start the sentence about existence
Verb What is happening
has been
Has existed or occurred
Complement Completes meaning
no official announcement
No formal or public statement from the party leadership
Adjunct Additional info
this time
On this particular occasion
Sentence 9 of 15
English Original

However, the Palaniswami camp claims that at a May 9 meeting, all 47 legislators gave written consent to the effect that the former Chief Minister is the AIADMK legislature party’s leader.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + Object Clause Main Clause + Noun Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
However
But, on the other hand
Subject Who/What
the Palaniswami camp
The group of people supporting Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Verb What is happening
claims
States something as a fact, though others might disagree
Object What receives action
that at a May 9 meeting, all 47 legislators gave written consent to the effect that the former Chief Minister is the AIADMK legislature party’s leader
That during a meeting on May 9, every MLA agreed in writing that EPS is their official leader in the assembly
Sentence 10 of 15
English Original

It also cites the Supreme Court verdict in the Shiv Sena case (May 2023), which held that “the political party, and not the legislature party, appoints the Whip and the Leader in the House”.

Simple Present S + Adjunct + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Relative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
The argument or claim made by the Palaniswami camp
Adjunct Additional info
also
In addition to the previous point
Verb What is happening
cites
Mentions something as an example or proof
Object What receives action
the Supreme Court verdict in the Shiv Sena case (May 2023)
A legal decision made by India’s highest court regarding a split in the Shiv Sena party
Adjunct Additional info
which held that “the political party, and not the legislature party, appoints the Whip and the Leader in the House”
Which decided that the main party organization, not just the elected MLAs, has the power to choose the leaders in the assembly
Context and Background
Supreme Court Verdict on Shiv Sena (2023)

In May 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the power to appoint a Whip and a Leader in a legislative house belongs to the political party as a whole, not just the group of elected members (legislature party). This ensures that the party organization maintains control over its elected representatives.

Sentence 11 of 15
English Original

As Mr. Palaniswami is also the general secretary, his supporters argue that there is no need to take cognisance of the other faction’s office-bearer announcements, given that he has appointed his nominee as the legislature party whip.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clauses Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
As Mr. Palaniswami is also the general secretary
Because EPS holds the top position in the party organization
Subject Who/What
his supporters
The people who are on EPS’s side
Verb What is happening
argue
Give reasons to support their view
Object What receives action
that there is no need to take cognisance of the other faction’s office-bearer announcements
That they don’t have to pay attention to or accept the leaders chosen by the rival group
Adjunct Additional info
given that he has appointed his nominee as the legislature party whip
Considering that he has already chosen his person to enforce discipline among the MLAs
Sentence 12 of 15
English Original

The Palaniswami group also appears to be preparing to move the Speaker for disqualification of rebel legislators under paragraph 2(1)(b) of the 1985 anti-defection law, in case the dissidents violate the whip by voting against the government.

Simple Present S + Adjunct + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause + Conditional Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The Palaniswami group
The faction led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Adjunct Additional info
also
In addition to their other actions
Verb What is happening
appears
Seems to be
Complement Completes meaning
to be preparing to move the Speaker for disqualification of rebel legislators under paragraph 2(1)(b) of the 1985 anti-defection law
To be getting ready to ask the assembly head to remove the rebel members from their posts using a specific legal rule from 1985
Adjunct Additional info
in case the dissidents violate the whip by voting against the government
If the people who disagree with the leader don’t follow the party’s order and vote against the ruling group
Context and Background
Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule)

The Anti-Defection Law was added to the Constitution in 1985 to prevent political instability caused by legislators switching parties. Paragraph 2(1)(b) specifically mentions that a member can be disqualified if they vote against the direction (whip) of their political party.

Sentence 13 of 15
English Original

One option for the Shanmugam-Velumani faction is to merge with the TVK if it secures the support of 32 legislators, similar to how seven AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha (out of a total of 10 MPs) recently quit and merged with the BJP — which was approved by the Vice President and the Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Simple Present S + V + C + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause + Conditional Clause + Comparative Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
One option for the Shanmugam-Velumani faction
One possible choice for the group led by the two former ministers
Verb What is happening
is
Is (the linking verb)
Complement Completes meaning
to merge with the TVK
To join their group with the party led by Vijay
Adjunct Additional info
if it secures the support of 32 legislators
If they manage to get 32 assembly members to agree (which is the required 2/3rd majority to avoid legal trouble)
Adjunct Additional info
similar to how seven AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha (out of a total of 10 MPs) recently quit and merged with the BJP, which was approved by the Vice President and the Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan
Just like what happened when 7 out of 10 members of the AAP party in the upper house joined the BJP, which was accepted by the leader of that house
Context and Background
Two-Thirds Rule for Mergers

Under the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a group of elected members can merge with another political party without being disqualified if at least two-thirds of the members of the legislative party agree to the merger. For a group of 47, two-thirds is 32 (rounding up from 31.33).

Sentence 14 of 15
English Original

In the case of the AIADMK, Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar may soon have to draw on his experience and legal advice to assess the merits of the two groups’ claims.

Future Possibility Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In the case of the AIADMK
Regarding the situation with the AIADMK party
Subject Who/What
Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar
The official who leads the state’s legislative assembly
Verb What is happening
may soon have to draw on
Might need to use or rely on
Object What receives action
his experience and legal advice
What he has learned over time and the professional opinions of lawyers
Adjunct Additional info
to assess the merits of the two groups’ claims
To decide how fair or legally correct the arguments of both sides are
Sentence 15 of 15
English Original

Whatever he decides, the churn in Tamil Nadu politics is likely to continue for some time.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Dependent Clause + Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Whatever he decides
No matter what choice the Speaker makes
Subject Who/What
the churn in Tamil Nadu politics
The state of confusion and constant change in the political environment of Tamil Nadu
Verb What is happening
is likely
Is probably going to happen
Complement Completes meaning
to continue for some time
To keep happening for a while longer
Sentence 1 of 15
Sentence 1 of 15
It is no surprise that the AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the previous Tamil Nadu Assembly, is heading towards a split, having faced a second successive setback in the recent Assembly election, apart from several defeats in parliamentary elections.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
A placeholder subject used to introduce the statement
Verb
is
The linking verb that connects the subject to its description
Complement
no surprise
Something that was expected to happen
Adjunct
that the AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the previous Tamil Nadu Assembly, is heading towards a split
The fact that the main opposition party is about to break into different groups
Adjunct
having faced a second successive setback in the recent Assembly election, apart from several defeats in parliamentary elections
Because they lost the last two state elections and many national elections as well
Sentence 2 of 15
As of now, the 47 MLAs from the Dravidian major are divided over their support for the leadership of General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who was until recently the Leader of Opposition.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
As of now
At this current moment
Subject
the 47 MLAs from the Dravidian major
The forty-seven members of the legislative assembly belonging to the AIADMK party
Verb
are divided
Have different opinions or support different groups
Adjunct
over their support for the leadership of General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who was until recently the Leader of Opposition
Regarding whether they support EPS, who was previously the head of the opposition in the assembly
Sentence 3 of 15
On Monday, the two groups made written submissions to Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppiah regarding their claims.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
On Monday
The specific day the event happened
Subject
the two groups
The two factions within the AIADMK party
Verb
made
Did or submitted something
Object
written submissions
Formal written documents or requests
Indirect Object
to Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppiah
To the person acting as the temporary head of the assembly
Adjunct
regarding their claims
About what they are asking for or asserting as their right
Sentence 4 of 15
Though there is no clarity on the strength of the two factions, the dissident group, led by former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, appears to enjoy the support of more legislators.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Though there is no clarity on the strength of the two factions
Even though we don’t know exactly how many people are in each of the two groups
Subject
the dissident group, led by former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani
The group that disagrees with the party leader, headed by two former ministers
Verb
appears
Seems to be or looks like
Complement
to enjoy the support of more legislators
To have more assembly members on their side
Sentence 5 of 15
This group has announced its decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government; Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, by visiting the office of Mr. Shanmugam and meeting him and his colleagues on Tuesday, has indicated where his sympathies lie.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This group
The group of AIADMK MLAs who disagree with the party leader
Verb
has announced
Has officially made a statement
Object
its decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government
Their choice to help and vote with the party currently in power
Subject
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
The leader of the Tamil Nadu government
Adjunct
by visiting the office of Mr. Shanmugam and meeting him and his colleagues on Tuesday
By going to the rebel leader’s workplace to talk with him and his partners
Verb
has indicated
Has shown or suggested
Object
where his sympathies lie
Which group he favors or supports
Sentence 6 of 15
This appears to be part of Mr. Vijay’s political outreach, as he has met DMK chief M.K. Stalin and several other leaders in the past two days.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This
The act of the Chief Minister visiting the rebel leader’s office
Verb
appears
Seems to be
Complement
to be part of Mr. Vijay’s political outreach
To be a step in his plan to connect with different political leaders
Adjunct
as he has met DMK chief M.K. Stalin and several other leaders in the past two days
Because he has also seen the head of the DMK party and other important politicians recently
Sentence 7 of 15
It carries political significance, as the Chief Minister is due to move a trust vote in the House on Wednesday.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The current political situation and meetings
Verb
carries
Has or holds
Object
political significance
Importance in the world of politics
Adjunct
as the Chief Minister is due to move a trust vote in the House on Wednesday
Because the leader of the state will ask the assembly to vote on whether they still support him tomorrow
Sentence 8 of 15
Unlike previous occasions when the AIADMK publicly announced the election of its legislature party leader and other functionaries, there has been no official announcement this time.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Unlike previous occasions when the AIADMK publicly announced the election of its legislature party leader and other functionaries
Differently from other times when the party openly told everyone who their leaders and officers were
Subject
there
A word used to start the sentence about existence
Verb
has been
Has existed or occurred
Complement
no official announcement
No formal or public statement from the party leadership
Adjunct
this time
On this particular occasion
Sentence 9 of 15
However, the Palaniswami camp claims that at a May 9 meeting, all 47 legislators gave written consent to the effect that the former Chief Minister is the AIADMK legislature party’s leader.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
However
But, on the other hand
Subject
the Palaniswami camp
The group of people supporting Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Verb
claims
States something as a fact, though others might disagree
Object
that at a May 9 meeting, all 47 legislators gave written consent to the effect that the former Chief Minister is the AIADMK legislature party’s leader
That during a meeting on May 9, every MLA agreed in writing that EPS is their official leader in the assembly
Sentence 10 of 15
It also cites the Supreme Court verdict in the Shiv Sena case (May 2023), which held that “the political party, and not the legislature party, appoints the Whip and the Leader in the House”.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The argument or claim made by the Palaniswami camp
Adjunct
also
In addition to the previous point
Verb
cites
Mentions something as an example or proof
Object
the Supreme Court verdict in the Shiv Sena case (May 2023)
A legal decision made by India’s highest court regarding a split in the Shiv Sena party
Adjunct
which held that “the political party, and not the legislature party, appoints the Whip and the Leader in the House”
Which decided that the main party organization, not just the elected MLAs, has the power to choose the leaders in the assembly
Sentence 11 of 15
As Mr. Palaniswami is also the general secretary, his supporters argue that there is no need to take cognisance of the other faction’s office-bearer announcements, given that he has appointed his nominee as the legislature party whip.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
As Mr. Palaniswami is also the general secretary
Because EPS holds the top position in the party organization
Subject
his supporters
The people who are on EPS’s side
Verb
argue
Give reasons to support their view
Object
that there is no need to take cognisance of the other faction’s office-bearer announcements
That they don’t have to pay attention to or accept the leaders chosen by the rival group
Adjunct
given that he has appointed his nominee as the legislature party whip
Considering that he has already chosen his person to enforce discipline among the MLAs
Sentence 12 of 15
The Palaniswami group also appears to be preparing to move the Speaker for disqualification of rebel legislators under paragraph 2(1)(b) of the 1985 anti-defection law, in case the dissidents violate the whip by voting against the government.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Palaniswami group
The faction led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Adjunct
also
In addition to their other actions
Verb
appears
Seems to be
Complement
to be preparing to move the Speaker for disqualification of rebel legislators under paragraph 2(1)(b) of the 1985 anti-defection law
To be getting ready to ask the assembly head to remove the rebel members from their posts using a specific legal rule from 1985
Adjunct
in case the dissidents violate the whip by voting against the government
If the people who disagree with the leader don’t follow the party’s order and vote against the ruling group
Sentence 13 of 15
One option for the Shanmugam-Velumani faction is to merge with the TVK if it secures the support of 32 legislators, similar to how seven AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha (out of a total of 10 MPs) recently quit and merged with the BJP — which was approved by the Vice President and the Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
One option for the Shanmugam-Velumani faction
One possible choice for the group led by the two former ministers
Verb
is
Is (the linking verb)
Complement
to merge with the TVK
To join their group with the party led by Vijay
Adjunct
if it secures the support of 32 legislators
If they manage to get 32 assembly members to agree (which is the required 2/3rd majority to avoid legal trouble)
Adjunct
similar to how seven AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha (out of a total of 10 MPs) recently quit and merged with the BJP, which was approved by the Vice President and the Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan
Just like what happened when 7 out of 10 members of the AAP party in the upper house joined the BJP, which was accepted by the leader of that house
Sentence 14 of 15
In the case of the AIADMK, Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar may soon have to draw on his experience and legal advice to assess the merits of the two groups’ claims.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In the case of the AIADMK
Regarding the situation with the AIADMK party
Subject
Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar
The official who leads the state’s legislative assembly
Verb
may soon have to draw on
Might need to use or rely on
Object
his experience and legal advice
What he has learned over time and the professional opinions of lawyers
Adjunct
to assess the merits of the two groups’ claims
To decide how fair or legally correct the arguments of both sides are
Sentence 15 of 15
Whatever he decides, the churn in Tamil Nadu politics is likely to continue for some time.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Whatever he decides
No matter what choice the Speaker makes
Subject
the churn in Tamil Nadu politics
The state of confusion and constant change in the political environment of Tamil Nadu
Verb
is likely
Is probably going to happen
Complement
to continue for some time
To keep happening for a while longer

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - AIADMK Split

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the AIADMK split and Tamil Nadu politics.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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