Chennai

Newly elected legislators of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) arrived in two separate groups for the oath-taking ceremony of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly oath-taking on Monday, fuelling speculation of internal divisions within the party following the April Assembly elections.

One group of MLA-designates, including former ministers K P Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram, accompanied party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to the Assembly for the swearing-in.

A second group, led by former minister S P Velumani and accompanied by former minister C Vijayabaskar, arrived shortly afterwards.

Former minister C Ve Shanmugam was reportedly unable to reach the venue on time.

Traditionally, AIADMK legislators gather at the Assembly entrance and enter together as a single group. Monday’s separate arrivals presented an unusual picture, apparently reflecting strains within the party.

The AIADMK suffered a disappointing result in the April 23 Assembly polls, winning only 47 seats, after which voices within the party reportedly began calling for leadership changes.

During the oath-taking, AIADMK legislator-designate K Mohan became emotional on seeing a large portrait of late former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa displayed in the Assembly alongside portraits of former chief ministers.

After referring to her as “Honourable revolutionary leader Amma,” Mohan broke down before completing the formal signing process.

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Earlier, C Joseph Vijay was the first legislator to take oath in the new Assembly.