Former AIADMK Minister and MLA C. Vijayabaskar has handed over the keys of the party’s district office in Pudukottai to newly appointed Pudukottai North district secretary V. Palanivel.Following disciplinary action initiated by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami against those allegedly acting against the party leadership’s decisions, party posts held by several functionaries and legislators were revoked. Consequently, Mr. Vijayabaskar was removed from the posts of Pudukkottai North district secretary and State organising secretary. Mr. Palanivel was subsequently appointed district secretary.Mr. Vijayabaskar’s supporters had allegedly prevented Mr. Palanivel and his supporters from entering the district party office in Ashok Nagar in Pudukottai. Acting on complaints from both factions, Pudukottai Revenue Divisional Officer Prakash conducted an inquiry on Tuesday. While representatives of Mr. Palanivel attended the inquiry, none from Mr. Vijayabaskar’s side appeared.Following the inquiry, the RDO directed that the district office be handed over to Mr. Palanivel and provided a copy of the order to his supporter Nevalinathan. However, sources said the office key had already been handed over to Mr. Palanivel by Mr. Vijayabaskar’s camp late on Tuesday night.Subsequently, Mr. Palanivel, accompanied by his supporters, opened the district office and commenced party activities. Supporters reportedly raised slogans and removed banners carrying photographs of Mr. Vijayabaskar from inside the office. Former MLAs Nedunchezhian and Rajanayagam participated in the event.Meanwhile, Mr. Vijayabaskar convened a separate meeting of party functionaries at his camp office in Periyar Nagar, Pudukottai, on Wednesday, his first such interaction after the elections. A large number of AIADMK cadres gathered at the venue.Political speculation had intensified in recent weeks over Mr. Vijayabaskar’s future in the party, amid reports of his dissatisfaction with the AIADMK leadership. He was also said to have discussed with supporters whether to continue in the AIADMK, shift to another party, or retire from politics.Addressing media persons after the meeting, Mr. Vijayabaskar said, “The people of Pudukottai and party functionaries will always remain affectionate towards me. There is no other news apart from this. I have handed over the party office key magnanimously.” Published - June 03, 2026 07:42 pm IST