C.Ve. Shanmugam wants AIADMK leadership to consult with functionaries over party’s bypoll loss

AIADMK MLA C.Ve. Shanmugam on Wednesday said the party’s leadership should hold consultation with party functionaries over the party’s defeat in the recent bypolls in Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly constituencies. If the leadership called for a meeting, Mr. Shanmugam said he and others were willing to “cooperate” and take steps for the party’s welfare.Speaking to reporters, he said: “The AIADMK has lost [in the bypolls] and everyone knows it. This is a bad loss. The AIADMK leadership should discuss and find out the reasons and consult with functionaries and address them. This is what we have been asking for, to hold the party General Council meeting.” The party cadres needed confidence and if the leadership could give that to them, the party could emerge stronger, he said.Asked if he would initiate any steps, Mr. Shanmugam said: “I’m not in any [party] position. If those in power take steps, we are ready to cooperate with them.” To a query on the influence of money in the recent bypolls, the former Minister said: “There can be difference of opinion. But the truth is money was not given to voters. This is a good change. It is a welcome change.”Replying to a query about resentment among the party cadres, he said: “Certainly, there is resentment.” Maintaining that it was no secret, Mr. Shanmugam said that if the party leadership embraced everyone and took them along, the party could still emerge stronger. Published - October 14, 2026 05:47 pm IST