Wed Sep 24 00:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The article discusses the historical precedent in Tamil Nadu politics, specifically within the AIADMK and DMK parties, of leaders readmitting former critics into their folds. It cites examples like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa in the AIADMK, and M. Karunanidhi in the DMK, who brought back individuals who had previously voiced strong opposition against them. The article details specific instances and the circumstances surrounding the re-admissions of figures like S.D. Somasundaram, K. Kalimuthu, Sathiavani Muthu, and Nanjil K. Manoharan. It concludes by pondering whether the current AIADMK leadership, under Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), can or should follow a similar path in reuniting with dissident factions, noting the seemingly rigid stances of the current dissenting groups.

**News Article:**

**AIADMK at Crossroads: Can History Offer a Path to Unity?**

*CHENNAI -* As the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) grapples with internal strife, political observers are looking to the past for potential solutions. A recent analysis of Tamil Nadu’s political history reveals a recurring theme: leaders of both the AIADMK and its rival, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have often reconciled with former critics, bringing them back into the party fold after periods of intense opposition.

The *Hindu* reported today on several such instances. The examples range from AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) readmitting S.D. Somasundaram, who had publicly criticized him, to Jayalalithaa embracing K. Kalimuthu, another former detractor. Similarly, DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi repeatedly welcomed back figures like Sathiavani Muthu and Nanjil K. Manoharan, despite past disagreements.

The article details the circumstances surrounding these reconciliations, often involving policy disputes, personal rivalries, and the ever-shifting sands of Tamil Nadu politics. Somasundaram, for example, once called then Chief Minister MGR “corrupt” before eventually returning to the AIADMK and serving as a minister.

The question now is whether the current AIADMK leadership, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), can draw lessons from history. With factions led by O. Panneerselvam, V.K. Sasikala, and T.T.V. Dhinakaran remaining outside the party, some analysts suggest that a similar strategy of reconciliation could be crucial for the AIADMK’s future. However, sources within the party express skepticism, citing the seemingly entrenched positions of the dissenting groups. While Panneerselvam has stated his readiness to join hands unconditionally, the groups headed by Sasikala and Dhinakaran do not appear to share this sentiment.

“It appears key leaders of the AIADMK, both past and present, are yet to appreciate the significance of lessons of the past.”
Only time will tell if the AIADMK will embrace its past successes to unite and strengthen the party moving forward.

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