Wed Sep 10 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

This article from The Hindu revisits the 1997 revolt against Jayalalithaa within the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) led by Su. Thirunavukkarasar (then known as S. Thirunavukkarasu). It explores the circumstances leading to his expulsion from the party, the support he garnered from other disgruntled AIADMK leaders, the parallel general council meetings held by his faction and Jayalalithaa’s, and the eventual decline of his rebellion. The article highlights the accusations and counter-accusations that flew between the factions and other political figures at the time, and the legal challenges to Thirunavukkarasar’s leadership. It concludes with Thirunavukkarasar’s reflections on his failed attempt to challenge Jayalalithaa, his subsequent merger with the BJP, and eventual move to the Congress party, despite a later invitation to return to the AIADMK.

**News Article:**

**AIADMK Turmoil Revisited: 1997 Rebellion Echoes Amidst Current Party Rifts**

*Chennai, September 10, 2025* – As the AIADMK faces renewed calls for unity, political observers are drawing parallels to the turbulent events of 1997 when a significant revolt shook the party’s foundations. Former School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan’s recent ultimatum to AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to reconcile the party has sparked renewed interest in the challenges to Jayalalithaa’s leadership nearly three decades ago.

In May 1997, Su. Thirunavukkarasar (then S. Thirunavukkarasu), a prominent AIADMK figure, was ousted from the party, igniting a full-blown rebellion. The move came as a surprise to Thirunavukkarasar, who claims he was given no indication of his impending expulsion, even after inviting Jayalalithaa to a family wedding.

Thirunavukkarasar’s dissent gained traction amongst other AIADMK leaders who had fallen out of favour with Jayalalithaa. He soon announced a rival general council meeting, challenging Jayalalithaa’s authority. Both factions convened separate meetings, each claiming majority support. While Jayalalithaa’s meeting endorsed Thirunavukkarasar’s expulsion and reaffirmed her leadership, the rebel faction elected Thirunavukkarasar as the party’s general secretary. However, the Madras High Court later deemed Thirunavukkarasar’s meeting illegal, dealing a major blow to his campaign.

In an interview, Thirunavukkarasar insists DMK played no role, “the DMK or Karunanidhi had no role to play in my revolt. The rebel leaders’ meetings with me had generated suspicion in her [Jayalalithaa’s] mind that I too would be going out of the party,”

The rebellion ultimately faltered, with many of Thirunavukkarasar’s allies returning to Jayalalithaa’s fold. Thirunavukkarasar went on to merge his faction with the BJP in 2002 and later joined the Congress party in 2009, despite a reported invitation from Jayalalithaa to return to the AIADMK.

Looking back, Thirunavukkarasar acknowledges the uphill battle he faced. “I knew from the beginning that I was no match to Jayalalithaa. But the decision to oppose her was forced on me. I had to act out of necessity,” he stated.

The events of 1997 serve as a stark reminder of the internal strife that has plagued the AIADMK in the past. As the party navigates its current challenges, the lessons from this historical episode may prove invaluable.

Read More