Former speaker P Dhanapal quits AIADMK amid leadership row

The P. Dhanapal quit the AIADMK citing neglect and lack of recognition by party leadership. His exit, following recent senior-level resignations, adds to internal turbulence within the party after its poor Assembly election performance in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The AIADMK suffered another setback on Thursday as party veteran and former Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal announced his exit from the party, citing a lack of recognition and growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

The development comes at a time when the AIADMK is already grappling with internal challenges and signs of unrest among several senior leaders following its disappointing performance in the recent Assembly elections.

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Dhanapal made the announcement while speaking to reporters after attending the swearing-in ceremony of his son, Rasipuram MLA D. Logesh Tamilselvan, who was inducted as a minister in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government at the Lok Bhavan.

Expressing disappointment over the treatment he received within the AIADMK, the veteran leader said he had not been accorded due importance by the party leadership despite his long association with the organisation.

“The leadership ignored many leaders. Today, the people have ignored them,” he remarked in a pointed criticism of the party leadership, indicating that neglect within the organisation had contributed to the party’s present situation.

Dhanapal also said he was deeply distressed by the current condition of the AIADMK, noting that he had remained associated with the party from its early years and had witnessed its growth over several decades.

A prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics, the 76-year-old leader has had a long political career spanning more than four decades. He served as Speaker of the Assembly from October 2012 to May 2021 and had earlier held ministerial portfolios including Adi-Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, Co-operation, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection.

Dhanapal was elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly seven times  in 1977, 1980, 1984, 2001, 2011, 2016 and 2021  making him one of the experienced faces of the party. His departure assumes added significance as it follows the recent resignation of another AIADMK veteran and former Minister, S. Semmalai, raising fresh questions over unity and leadership stability within the party as it attempts to rebuild after the electoral setback.