Dr. Venugopal Quits AIADMK, Deepens Party Crisis in TN

The AIADMK’s ongoing struggle to regain its former dominance took another hit Sunday when Dr. P. Venugopal, a two-time MP and senior Scheduled Caste leader, resigned from the party. The announcement has intensified questions about the party’s ability to retain its traditional voter base and senior leadership. Venugopal, who helped launch the AIADMK medical wing and once led its parliamentary contingent, blamed the leadership’s “political shortsightedness” for the party’s declining fortunes. He specifically highlighted the shrinking support among Dalit communities following Jayalalithaa’s death and accused the present dispensation of ignoring seasoned legislators in key decisions. The resignation comes weeks after former minister S. Semmalai and ex-Speaker P. Dhanapal also walked out, underscoring deepening internal divisions. Venugopal called for an inclusive political approach that would restore the party’s broad social coalition and improve candidate selection processes. As Tamil Nadu prepares for the next round of electoral battles, the AIADMK faces the dual challenge of healing factional rifts and re-engaging communities that once formed its backbone. Political analysts warn that further exits could trigger a cascade effect ahead of crucial state elections.