AIADMK senior leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan has been expelled from the party, triggering an intense internal clash and public war of words. His removal followed his appearance with expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam and T.T.V. Dhinakaran in a rare display of solidarity, which party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) viewed as a direct challenge to party discipline and unity. The expulsion quickly escalated into a sharp exchange of accusations between the two leaders, exposing deep rifts within the party's senior ranks.
Speaking to the media in Erode, Sengottaiyan expressed emotional distress over the decision. He described his removal as authoritarian and unjust, stressing that he had devoted over five decades of service since the era of former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran. He stated that he felt humiliated and sidelined after giving his life to the party. Highlighting his sense of betrayal, he remarked that if an award existed for political betrayal, it should be conferred on EPS. He also questioned the legitimacy of EPS’s leadership, claiming the Election Commission had not officially recognised him as a permanent general secretary, labeling his current status as temporary.
Sengottaiyan also accused EPS of aligning with political opponents and acting in a manner favorable to the ruling DMK, asserting that his loyalty had always been toward the AIADMK and its welfare. He insisted that his actions were only intended to strengthen the party by advocating the return of expelled members to ensure unity and electoral strength.
Responding from Salem, EPS countered strongly. He argued that his leadership was earned through dedication rather than opportunism. He accused Sengottaiyan of never publicly confronting the DMK and instead operating as a covert supporter of the ruling party. EPS asserted that the party cadre supported the expulsion decision, even claiming celebrations broke out among workers in Erode when the news became public. According to him, longevity in the party does not guarantee immunity, and individuals who act against organizational interests must face consequences.
EPS reiterated that discipline and loyalty to AIADMK ideology are non-negotiable principles rooted in the legacy of M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. He stated that no individual, regardless of seniority, can place personal agendas above party unity. He ordered party members to avoid engaging with Sengottaiyan and follow organizational directives without deviation.
Sengottaiyan’s removal from all party posts had already occurred earlier, when he openly pushed for the reinstatement of leaders previously expelled. He maintained that reunification was essential for the party’s revival and electoral success. However, the current leadership viewed his position as disruptive and contradictory to organizational discipline.
The episode marks another significant fracture in AIADMK’s ongoing struggle to maintain cohesion after earlier splits and leadership battles. The public nature of the confrontation underscores the internal turbulence and strategic disagreements shaping the party’s path ahead.
