AIADMK Fields Inbadurai and Dhanapal for Rajya Sabha Amidst DMDK's Seat Demand

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has nominated former legislators I.S. Inbadurai and M. Dhanapal as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections scheduled for 19 June. This decision, announced by Deputy General Secretary K.P. Munusamy, has sparked tensions within the party's alliance, particularly with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam , which claims a prior agreement for a Rajya Sabha seat allocation.

The DMDK, led by General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, has publicly asserted that the AIADMK had promised them a Rajya Sabha seat as part of their alliance agreement during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Premalatha emphasized the importance of political parties honoring their commitments to maintain public trust, citing the ruling DMK's fulfillment of its pledges to alliance partners, including MNM's Kamal Haasan. She stated, "Now it is our turn. He should demonstrate to the people that AIADMK stands by its promises."

In response to the DMDK's demands, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami reportedly reassured DMDK Treasurer K.L. Sudhish during a meeting at Palaniswami's camp office on Greenways Road that the AIADMK would honor its promise of allocating a Rajya Sabha seat in 2026. Party sources indicated that Palaniswami played it strategically by retaining the two current seats for the AIADMK while maintaining the alliance with the DMDK for the upcoming assembly elections.

The DMDK's insistence on immediate fulfillment of the Rajya Sabha seat promise has led to speculation about the stability of the AIADMK-led alliance. When questioned about the possibility of aligning with the DMK if denied the seat, Premalatha remained non-committal, stating that "anything can happen" and stressed the need for patience. She also announced that poll alliance details would be revealed at a Cuddalore conference on January 9 and mentioned plans to appoint in-charges for all 234 constituencies and to establish polling station-level committees.

The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu will fill six vacancies, with the DMK expected to secure four seats and the AIADMK two, based on the current strength of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The DMK has nominated P. Wilson for a second term and fielded two new candidates, S.R. Sivalingam and writer Salma. Additionally, MNM leader Kamal Haasan is poised to become a Rajya Sabha member following a political agreement with the DMK.

The AIADMK's decision to nominate Inbadurai and Dhanapal, both seasoned politicians with prior legislative experience, is seen as a move to consolidate its position in the Rajya Sabha. Inbadurai previously served as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly representing Radhapuram constituency from 2011 to 2016, while Dhanapal held various significant positions within the party. Open URL