As speculation continues over the allocation of two Rajya Sabha seats by the AIADMK, DMDK treasurer LK Sudhish met AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) at his residence on Friday, pressing for one of the seats for his party. While the meeting reportedly involved detailed discussions, no final decision was announced. Sources suggest EPS may make his decision within the next couple of days.
DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant has consistently reiterated that the AIADMK had assured her party of one Rajya Sabha seat during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, Palaniswami has publicly denied the existence of any such agreement, a stance that Premalatha has openly expressed disappointment over.
Speaking in Pudukottai on Thursday, Premalatha demanded the Rajya Sabha seat in clear terms, stating, “AIADMK had promised us one seat during the Lok Sabha election. They gave seats to Anbumani Ramadoss and GK Vasan in the past. Now it’s our turn. Palaniswami should honor his commitment.”
Against this backdrop, Sudhish’s meeting with Palaniswami assumes significance. Meanwhile, during a two-day review with district secretaries, EPS also discussed the Rajya Sabha nominations with senior AIADMK leaders. Sources say some party functionaries were displeased with the manner in which Premalatha publicly pressed her demand.
Despite the internal differences, the AIADMK is expected to make a strategic decision that factors in its broader alliance-building goals ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Several names are currently under consideration for the Rajya Sabha nominations, including senior leaders such as S Semmalai, D Jayakumar, presidium chairman Thamizhmagan Hussain, deputy propaganda secretary Vindhya, and N Sadhan Prabhakar from Ramanathapuram district.
During his meetings with the secretaries of the party’s 82 districts and their in-charges, Palaniswami emphasized the importance of completing the strengthening of booth committees by June 15. He described them as the foundational units critical to the party’s electoral success and assured leaders that their progress would be closely monitored.
