AIADMK to launch online membership drive as EPS steps up election review

Chennai, July 11 (IANS) The AIADMK has announced that it will soon launch an online membership enrolment campaign through its Information Technology (IT) Wing as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s organisational base, particularly among the youth, while simultaneously tightening control over party activities following reports of unauthorised events.

In a statement posted on its official social media platforms on Saturday, the party said the proposed digital membership drive would provide a structured platform for youngsters interested in joining the AIADMK and enable them to participate in organisational activities in an authorised manner.

The announcement came against the backdrop of reports that some events had been organised by “enthusiastic youth” without the party leadership’s approval. Clarifying its stand, the AIADMK said that after formally enrolling as members, youth could take part in party programmes through the proper organisational channels.

The party also issued a clear warning that no event should be organised without the approval of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

“Without the permission of the party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, no function should be organised,” the statement said, underlining the leadership’s intention to ensure organisational discipline.

The announcement comes at a time when the AIADMK is engaged in a comprehensive review of its performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

As part of the exercise, Palaniswami will hold consultative meetings with party functionaries from eight districts, Erode, Tiruvallur, Theni, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Karur, the Nilgiris and Virudhunagar, on July 15, 16 and 18 at the party headquarters in Chennai.

The eight districts together account for 51 Assembly constituencies. The party’s performance in these regions was considered disappointing, with the AIADMK securing victory in only nine of the 51 seats. It failed to win a single constituency in the Virudhunagar, Theni, and Nilgiris districts.

The party has also suffered further setbacks after the election. Three of its victorious legislators from Karur, Perundurai and Viralimalai resigned their Assembly seats and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reducing the party’s effective strength.

Internal organisational issues have also surfaced in Cuddalore district, where the AIADMK had won three seats. Bhuvanagiri MLA A. Arumozhithevan is among the leaders who have not accepted the fresh organisational responsibilities assigned by Palaniswami after being removed from their earlier positions over their conduct during the Assembly trust vote held two months ago.

The upcoming review meetings are expected to assess the reasons behind the party’s electoral setbacks and chart a strategy to rebuild its organisation ahead of future political battles.

–IANS

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