The AIADMK's 47 newly elected legislators attended the oath-taking ceremony for the 17th Tamil Nadu legislative assembly in two separate groups, deepening the party's internal rift.
This marks a departure from the party's traditional practice of entering the assembly as a united bloc.
The two groups were led by former chief minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami and leaders CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani.
During the ceremony, the two groups sat separately in the assembly and left the venue separately as well.
The move has sparked speculation that some AIADMK MLAs may extend support to the rival faction led by TVK, which has formed the government in the state with the support of 13 MLAs from other parties.
People familiar with the matter said Shanmugam, Velumani and their supporters have shown interest in backing the Vijay-led TVK.
Former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy said there is a clear split within the party, with many MLAs wanting a change in leadership.
A senior party leader played down the division, saying the party will bounce back after analysing the reasons for its defeat and finding solutions.
