AIADMK-All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is a regional political party influential in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Founded on 17 October 1972 by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) in Madurai, it split from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after M. Karunanidhi expelled M.G.R. for demanding an account as party treasurer. The party follows Annaism, based on C.N. Annadurai’s principles, and has won a majority in Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly seven times, becoming the most successful party in the state’s history. It is currently the main opposition party.

From 1 January 1988 to 5 December 2016, J. Jayalalithaa led the party as general secretary, gaining immense popularity before her death. From 21 August 2017 to 23 June 2022, O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami served as co-ordinators. Since 11 July 2022, Edappadi K. Palaniswami has been the general secretary.

The party’s headquarters, Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. Maaligai, is located at V.P. Raman Salai, Royapettah, Chennai, and was donated by M.G.R.’s wife, V.N. Janaki Ramachandran, in 1986.

Elections:

Lok Sabha Elections:

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly:

In the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections over the years, the AIADMK(All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has experienced varying degrees of success. In 1977, led by M.G. Ramachandran, the party contested 200 seats and won 130, marking a significant increase in their seat count with 30.36% of the vote. This success continued into 1980 with a slight decrease to 129 seats won but an increased vote share of 38.75%. However, in 1984, the party saw a decrease in seats won to 132, though their vote percentage slightly decreased to 37.03%.

By 1989, under J. Jayalalithaa, the party faced a major setback, winning only 29 out of 202 contested seats and securing just 21.77% of the vote. The situation improved significantly in 1991 with a major increase to 164 seats and a 44.39% vote share. However, in 1996, the party’s fortunes reversed dramatically, winning only 4 seats with a 21.47% vote share.

In the 2001 elections, the AIADMK recovered to win 132 seats with a 31.44% vote share. The party then faced another decline in 2006, securing 61 seats and a vote share of 32.64%. By 2011, the party rebounded strongly, winning 150 seats and garnering 38.40% of the vote. The 2016 elections saw the party win 136 seats with a 41.06% vote share, but the 2021 elections led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami resulted in a reduced tally of 66 seats and a 33.29% vote share, positioning the AIADMK as the opposition once again.

Pondicherry Legislative Assembly:

In the Puducherry Legislative Assembly Elections, the AIADMK’s performance has fluctuated significantly over the years. In the 1974 elections, under M.G. Ramachandran, the party contested 21 seats and won 12, reflecting a notable increase with 27.83% of the vote. The party’s success continued into 1977, with 14 seats won from 27 contested and a vote share of 30.96%.

However, the 1980 elections marked a major setback, as the AIADMK failed to win any of the 18 seats contested, securing only 18.60% of the vote. In 1985, the party contested 10 seats and won 6, but remained in the opposition with 15.75% of the vote.

Under J. Jayalalithaa in 1990, the party’s fortunes declined further, winning only 3 out of 13 contested seats and receiving 18.17% of the vote. The 1991 elections saw a modest recovery with 6 seats won from 10 contested, and a vote share of 17.34%. This was followed by a further decline in 1996, with 3 seats and 12.53% of the vote.

In 2001, the party contested 20 seats and won 3, maintaining a 12.56% vote share. The AIADMK’s situation did not improve much in 2006, winning 3 seats from 18 contested and securing 16.04% of the vote.

In the 2011 elections, the party won 5 out of 10 contested seats with 13.75% of the vote. The 2016 elections saw a slight increase in seats to 4 from 30 contested, with a vote share of 16.82%. The 2021 elections, led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, resulted in a disappointing performance, with no seats won from 5 contested and only 4.14% of the vote, marking a significant decrease and resulting in a loss.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly:

In the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Elections, the AIADMK’s performance has been notably inconsistent. In 1978, under M.G. Ramachandran, the party contested 7 seats but won none, securing only 0.18% of the vote. The party’s situation did not improve much in 1983, winning just 1 out of 1 contested seat with 0.13% of the vote.

By 1989, led by J. Jayalalithaa, the party again won 1 seat out of 1 contested, maintaining a 0.18% vote share. In 1994, the party’s performance remained steady with 1 seat from 4 contested and a slightly increased vote share of 0.24%. The 1999 elections saw the AIADMK contest 13 seats and win 1, though their vote share decreased to 0.18%.

The party faced significant setbacks in 2004, contesting 2 seats but winning none, with a reduced vote share of 0.07%. This decline continued in 2008, where the AIADMK contested 7 seats and won none, securing just 0.03% of the vote. In 2013, the party again contested 5 seats without securing any, maintaining a vote share of 0.03%.

In the 2018 elections, under the leadership of O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the party contested 3 seats but won none, with a minimal vote share of 0.01%.

Kerala Legislative Assembly:

In the Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections, the AIADMK has struggled to make a significant impact. In 1977, led by M.G. Ramachandran, the party contested 2 seats but won none, securing only 0.02% of the vote. The situation remained dire in 1980, with 1 seat contested and no seats won, and a vote share of 0.00%.

The party saw minimal engagement in the 2006 elections, under J. Jayalalithaa’s leadership, contesting 29 seats but winning none, with a vote share of 0.12%. In 2011, with 4 seats contested, the party again failed to win any seats, and their vote share decreased to 0.01%.

In 2016, the AIADMK contested 7 seats and managed to secure no victories, though their vote share increased to 0.17%. The 2021 elections, led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, saw the party contest 1 seat but win none, achieving a vote share of 0.05%.

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly:

In the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections, the AIADMK has struggled to make a significant impact. In 1978, led by M.G. Ramachandran, the party contested 9 seats but won none, securing only 0.19% of the vote. The situation did not improve in 1994 under J. Jayalalithaa, with the party contesting 2 seats and winning none, and a reduced vote share of 0.05%.

By 1999, the party’s performance continued to falter, contesting 5 seats and winning none, with a minimal vote share of 0.02%

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly:

In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, the AIADMK’s performance has been notably weak. In the 1999 elections, under J. Jayalalithaa, the party contested 3 seats but won none, achieving only 0.01% of the vote. The party’s fortunes did not improve in 2009, when it contested 2 seats and again won none, with a vote share of just 0.01%.

M. G. Ramachandran Era (1972–1987):

The AIADMK, founded by M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) on October 17, 1972, emerged from a split with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) after M. Karunanidhi expelled M.G.R. for demanding financial accountability. Initially called Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), the party adopted the All India (AI) tag to safeguard itself during the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). M.G.R., a celebrated Tamil film star, used his fan base to rapidly build party support, claiming over a million members within the first two months. Key figures like R.M. Veerappan, Nanjil K. Manoharan, and S. D. Somasundaram helped consolidate the party’s structure, with Pavalar M. Muthusamy as the first presidium chairman. CPI state secretary M. Kalyanasundaram was instrumental in shaping the party’s early success.

The AIADMK’s initial victories included K. Maya Thevar’s win in the Dindigul parliamentary by-election in May 1973 and C. Aranganayagam’s victory in the Coimbatore West assembly by-election a year later. By April 1973, the AIADMK had become the third-largest party in Tamil Nadu, and by January 1976, it was the second-largest with 16 MLAs. The party supported the National Emergency (1975-77), aligning with the Indian National Congress (INC). Following the dismissal of the DMK government on corruption charges, the AIADMK swept the 1977 assembly elections, leading to M.G.R.’s appointment as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister on June 30, 1977.

1980 general election

The AIADMK joined the Union Cabinet in 1979, with Sathiavani Muthu and Aravinda Bala Pajanor as members. However, relations with the INC soured, and in the 1980 general election, the AIADMK won only two seats as the INC allied with the DMK. After Indira Gandhi dismissed several opposition-led state governments, including the AIADMK’s, the party rebounded in the 1980 assembly elections, securing 129 of 234 seats and re-electing M.G.R. as chief minister on June 9, 1980.

In the 1984 general elections, the AIADMK allied with the INC once again, winning 37 out of 39 parliamentary seats. Despite M.G.R.’s declining health, the AIADMK won the 1984 assembly elections, and M.G.R. was sworn in for his third term on February 10, 1985. M.G.R.’s charismatic leadership and enduring popularity were widely recognized, with his public image often described as infallible. He remained a beloved figure until his death on December 24, 1987, becoming only the second Tamil Nadu chief minister to die in office.

J. Jayalalithaa Era (1989–2016):

On February 9, 1989, J. Jayalalithaa led the AIADMK to become the main opposition party in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, making her the first female leader of the opposition. In the 1989 general election, the AIADMK, in alliance with the Indian National Congress (INC), won 39 out of 40 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The DMK government was dismissed in 1991, and the AIADMK-INC alliance secured power in the 1991 assembly elections, with Jayalalithaa becoming Tamil Nadu’s chief minister. This victory was partly attributed to the anti-incumbent sentiment following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination by Tamil separatists.

However, the 1996 assembly elections saw a major setback for the AIADMK, winning only 4 seats out of 234, with Jayalalithaa herself losing in Bargur. The party also lost all constituencies in the 1996 general election.

In 1998, the AIADMK’s fortunes revived when it allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), winning 30 out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK briefly shared power with the BJP in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government but withdrew support in early 1999, leading to the government’s fall. The party then allied with the INC for the 1999 general election, winning 13 seats in Tamil Nadu.

In the 2001 assembly elections, the AIADMK-led alliance, including the INC, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), Left Front, and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), won 197 seats, with the AIADMK securing 132. Due to legal issues, Jayalalithaa could not assume office initially, leading to O. Panneerselvam becoming chief minister. After Jayalalithaa’s conviction was overturned, she resumed office on March 2, 2002.

Jayalalithaa’s second term was notable for reforms and popular policies, such as banning lottery tickets, regulating liquor and sand quarrying, and restricting tobacco sales near educational institutions. She also championed women’s empowerment by setting up all-women police stations and commissioning female commandos. In October 2004, she ordered a successful operation to capture sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, who was killed by a special task force.

2006 assembly elections

In the 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, despite predictions of a hung assembly, the AIADMK, supported only by the MDMK and smaller parties, won 61 seats. The DMK-led coalition, including the PMK and Left Front, formed the government with 96 seats. The AIADMK’s struggles continued in the 2009 general election, where it won 12 seats, including 9 by the AIADMK.

In the 2011 assembly elections, capitalizing on public discontent with the DMK’s corruption and rising prices, the AIADMK, in alliance with the Left and Vijayakant’s DMDK, achieved a landslide victory with 203 seats, including 150 for the AIADMK. Jayalalithaa was sworn in as chief minister for the fourth time. In Puducherry, the AIADMK allied with N. Rangasamy’s AINRC but faced a rift when Rangasamy formed the government independently.

On February 9, 2014, Jayalalithaa donated a 13-kg gold armor worth 4 crore for a statue of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. The AIADMK continued its strong performance in the 2014 general elections, winning 37 out of 40 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the highest ever for a regional party.

Jayalalithaa was re-elected as AIADMK general secretary on August 29, 2014, marking her seventh consecutive term. However, on September 27, 2014, she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case, leading to her resignation. O. Panneerselvam assumed the role of chief minister on September 29.

In the 2016 assembly elections, Jayalalithaa secured a historic victory, winning 135 out of 234 seats while running solo. As a result, she was sworn in as chief minister for the sixth time on May 23, 2016. She was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22, 2016, where she battled a prolonged illness. Tragically, on December 5, 2016, she passed away, becoming the third Tamil Nadu chief minister to die while in office.

Expansion of Party:

Under J. Jayalalithaa‘s leadership, the AIADMK extended its reach beyond Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The party established state units in various Indian states and union territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana. Additionally, the AIADMK set up functionaries in countries with significant Tamil populations.

In Karnataka, the party had a presence in the state assembly from 1983 to 2004 and maintained influence in Tamil-speaking regions such as Bengaluru and Kolar. However, in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra, despite contesting several legislative assembly elections, the AIADMK did not secure any seats.

V. K. Sasikala and T. T. V. Dhinakaran Era (2016–17):

Following Jayalalithaa’s death on December 5, 2016, her close aide V. K. Sasikala was unanimously appointed Acting General Secretary of the AIADMK on December 31, 2016. On February 5, 2017, Sasikala was chosen as the leader of the legislative assembly and set to become Chief Minister. However, O. Panneerselvam, who had been ousted from his position, alleged coercion in his resignation, leading to political turmoil.

Sasikala’s tenure was cut short when she was sentenced to four years in prison in connection with the disproportionate assets case. Before her imprisonment, she appointed Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the legislative party leader and T. T. V. Dhinakaran as the AIADMK’s deputy general secretary.

With Palaniswami’s support from 123 MLAs, he assumed the role of Chief Minister. On March 23, 2017, the Election Commission of India allotted separate symbols to the two AIADMK factions: the “Electric Pole” for Panneerselvam’s group and the “Hat” for Palaniswami’s faction.

A bye-election for the Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency, vacated by Jayalalithaa’s death, was initially scheduled but later canceled due to allegations of bribery linked to Dhinakaran, who was also the AIADMK (Amma) candidate. Though Delhi police filed a case against Dhinakaran, he was granted bail due to insufficient evidence.

On August 5, 2017, Dhinakaran began his party activities, but tensions escalated with Palaniswami. Palaniswami declared Dhinakaran’s appointment as deputy general secretary invalid, asserting that his faction represented the true AIADMK and that most party cadres supported him.

O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami Era (2017–22):

On August 21, 2017, the AIADMK factions led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami merged. Panneerselvam was appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, overseeing Finance, Housing, Urban Development, and other portfolios.

On September 12, 2017, the AIADMK expelled V. K. Sasikala and named Jayalalithaa as the eternal general secretary. After the merger, 19 MLAs loyal to T. T. V. Dhinakaran withdrew support from Palaniswami, leading to their disqualification. The “two leaves” symbol was granted to Panneerselvam and Palaniswami’s faction by the Election Commission on November 23, 2017.

On February 24, 2018, the AIADMK launched its new newspaper, Namadhu Amma, and on November 14, 2018, it introduced News J, a Tamil news channel.

Despite these developments, the AIADMK performed poorly in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, winning only one of 39 seats, while the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured 38 seats. In the 2021 assembly elections, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance won 75 seats, losing power to the DMK alliance, but became the main opposition party with 66 seats.

Legal disputes ensued between Panneerselvam and Palaniswami. The Delhi High Court upheld Panneerselvam and Palaniswami as the legitimate AIADMK leaders, dismissing Sasikala and Dhinakaran’s claims. The Supreme Court later affirmed this stance.

In June 2022, tensions with the BJP and internal party conflicts led to violence and disputes over leadership. The AIADMK general council removed Panneerselvam on July 11, 2022, and appointed Palaniswami as interim general secretary.

The Madras High Court initially ruled the July 11, 2022, general council meeting invalid, restoring dual leadership. However, this was overturned by a division bench on September 2, 2022, and upheld by the Supreme Court on February 23, 2023. On January 19, 2024, the Supreme Court refused to stay the earlier decision, confirming Palaniswami’s leadership and rejecting Panneerselvam’s challenges.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami Era (2022–present):

On July 11, 2022, the AIADMK(All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) general council, meeting at the Shrivaaru Venkataachalapathy Palace, abolished the dual leadership model, making Edappadi K. Palaniswami interim general secretary. The council amended the party bylaws, including the removal of J. Jayalalithaa’s “eternal general secretary” status, reviving the general secretary post, and eliminating the co-ordinator and joint co-ordinator roles.

On March 28, 2023, the Madras High Court upheld these changes, dismissing O. Panneerselvam’s challenges. The same day, AIADMK confirmed Palaniswami as general secretary through an election. The Election Commission of India recognized these changes on April 20, 2023, and again on July 10, 2023, following the party’s internal election.

On August 20, 2023, the AIADMK held its Golden Jubilee Celebrations in Madurai, attended by a large number of supporters.

On September 25, 2023, at a secretaries advisory meeting, Palaniswami announced the AIADMK’s (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)withdrawal from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance.

In the 2024 general elections, the AIADMK(All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)-led alliance, including the DMDK, Puthiya Tamilagam (PT), and the SDPI, contested 36 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 5 in Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The alliance lost all contested seats, with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance dominating the polls in these regions.