AIADMK Faces Fresh Setback As Former Minister Semmalai Quits, Citing Internal Turmoil

(MENAFN- IANS) Chennai, May 18 (IANS) In a fresh blow to the AIADMK amid its ongoing internal crisis, former Minister Semmalai on Monday announced his resignation from the party, citing growing dissatisfaction over the party's functioning and alleging that he had been sidelined for years after the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

In a strongly worded statement, Semmalai expressed disappointment over the current state of affairs within the party, saying recent developments had caused him deep mental anguish.

His resignation comes at a time when AIADMK is witnessing increasing factional tensions and public disagreements among senior leaders, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the party's future direction.

Semmalai alleged that after Jayalalithaa's demise, several opportunities within the party had been denied to him despite his long-standing contribution and loyalty.

He suggested that deserving leaders and cadres were increasingly being overlooked, creating frustration among many party workers.

The former minister also voiced concern over the public image of the AIADMK, saying the situation had deteriorated to a point where even the media and public discussions were ridiculing the party because of its internal disputes.

He questioned how a party that once stood as a powerful political force in Tamil Nadu had reached such a stage of instability. Referring to the ongoing internal clashes, Semmalai said the developments were painful for cadres who had worked tirelessly for the growth of the party over decades.

Using a sharp metaphor, he remarked,“Camphor may dissolve, but should a party dissolve?” -- a statement widely viewed as a criticism of the leadership's inability to control the deepening crisis within the organisation.

Semmalai's exit is being seen as another challenge for the AIADMK leadership at a time when the party is already grappling with factional divisions and questions over organisational unity.

Political observers believe his resignation could trigger further debate within the party ranks over leadership, internal democracy and the future course of the organisation.

While the AIADMK leadership had not immediately issued an official response to Semmalai's announcement, his departure has added another layer of pressure on the party as it attempts to navigate a difficult political phase.

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