Addressing reporters at Coimbatore Airport, Velumani noted that it was his first visit to Coimbatore since becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly. In response to questions about leaders seeking party positions, he stated, “AIADMK is our lifeline and we are not moving for posts or positions.”

Velumani emphasised that no one had worked in such a manner even before the elections and reaffirmed that Edappadi K Palaniswami remains the party’s General Secretary. He added that he and senior leader CV Shanmugam had presented certain demands to the leadership, who assured them the issues would be addressed “one by one.” He said, “Our goal is to lead the party back to the path of victory and ensure the return of an AIADMK government.”

The leader criticised some media outlets and YouTube channels for spreading false narratives about party leaders seeking positions. He explained that AIADMK legislators supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government in the Assembly because the people had voted in favour of it and to oppose the DMK. He noted that leaders from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had clarified they had not approached AIADMK seeking positions.

Highlighting party unity, Velumani said he had spoken with CV Shanmugam earlier in the day and described their relationship as being like brothers. “There were differences of opinion, but they have now been resolved after meeting the General Secretary,” he added.

Velumani remarked that AIADMK, which has completed 50 years and ruled Tamil Nadu for 31 years, has faced several defeats and intends to use the current setback as a foundation for future success.

Regarding AIADMK’s support for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Velumani avoided a direct response, stating the new government should be given time to fulfill its election promises. He added that the opposition would strongly raise its voice in the Assembly if the government fails to deliver on Tamil Nadu’s development, including in Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Nilgiris.

Velumani expressed concern over rising crime rates and increasing drug abuse in the state, urging the government to take immediate action to address these issues.

He refrained from commenting on the possibility of resuming the position of district secretary of the AIADMK.

Earlier on Wednesday, the faction led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam, along with the EPS faction, withdrew petitions regarding the appointment of a new AIADMK legislature party leader and chief whip. MLAs from the Velumani-Shanmugam faction also officially withdrew a letter previously submitted to Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakaran.