Senior AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has openly urged party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) to bring back former members who had walked away after J. Jayalalithaa’s demise, stressing that only a united AIADMK can secure victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Speaking to the media, Sengottaiyan gave EPS a ten-day window to make a decision on reconciliation. He made it clear that those seeking re-entry into the party had no conditions or demands attached, but only wanted unity for the welfare of the people. “We must welcome back those who left us. They are willing to make sacrifices. Forgiveness should be our motto,” he said, repeating that his appeal was a humble request to the party leadership.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan stated that EPS’s decision would be final and binding on all cadres and leaders. Meanwhile, expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala welcomed Sengottaiyan’s appeal, saying “AIADMK blood runs in his veins,” and calling on all factions to set aside differences and work together. She reiterated the slogan, “Let us unite, let us win.”
Sengottaiyan also clarified that he was not proposing Sasikala as the chief ministerial candidate, but was only asking EPS to accept back those who had left. He emphasized that no positions were being demanded in return for reconciliation.
The BJP, AIADMK’s ally, also backed Sengottaiyan’s call. State secretary Vinoj P. Selvam said unity was necessary to prevent a split in votes, adding that people were “frustrated with the dynasty DMK government” and wanted change.
Sengottaiyan, who announced earlier this month that he would openly share his views with supporters, has now positioned himself as a strong advocate for AIADMK unity, underlining that reconciliation is the key to the party’s electoral revival.
