The AIADMK's first state meet since former chief minister and top leader Edappadi Palaniswami took oath as the general secretary began at Madurai on Sunday. He was elected the party's general secretary in March this year.
Palaniswami hoisted the party flag atop a 51-feet pole at Valayankulam in the presence of thousands of party workers. Over 600 kg of flower petals were showered on the venue as Palaniswami hoisted the flag.
Over 20 lakh AIADMK workers are expected to arrive at Madurai on Sunday, according to AIADMK leader R Kamaraj, who described the meeting as a "turning point for the party" ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls where the AIADMK is seeking to make good electoral inroads against the ruling DMK.
The event, considered a major show of strength, coincides with the party's golden jubilee anniversary. The highlight of the event is Palaniswami's speech, slated for Sunday evening.
Palaniswami was elected the party's general secretary in March this year after a protracted power struggle with former chief minister O Paneerselvam. The top leaders of the party are reportedly ensuring the conference becomes a success to show the factional feud has done nothing to the party.
The choice of venue too is considered significant to disprove speculations that the party has weakened in South Tamil Nadu after the removal of Panneerselvam from the southern district of Theni.
"This conference will be a turning point for AIADMK. This conference is going to be held in a manner that confirms the return of the late former CM Jayalalithaa's rule," AIADMK leader R Kamaraj said.
He added that Palaniswami will also decide on inviting alliance parties for this meeting.
Earlier on April 16, the resolution of the executive committee stated that M G Ramachandran (founder of the party) and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had "charted history by holding mega conferences in places like Tirunelveli and Trichy".
The resolution of the executive committee further stated that the Madurai conference will also be a "turning point for AIADMK".
