Former AIADMK heavyweight K A Sengottaiyan’s resignation as MLA on Wednesday has fuelled intense speculation about his next political move, with strong indications that he may be preparing to join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The exit marks the sharpest escalation in his rift with the AIADMK leadership and comes just days after he was stripped of his basic cadre post, a decision that he says has left him deeply hurt.
Arriving in Chennai earlier in the day, Sengottaiyan confirmed that he is enduring “extreme pain” after being removed from the post he held for decades. He stressed that he had devoted 50 years of his life to the AIADMK and had stood by the party through periods of uncertainty. His removal, he said, was an emotional blow he did not wish to elaborate further in public.
Amid the fallout, multiple rounds of discussions have reportedly taken place between Sengottaiyan’s camp and TVK leaders, strengthening the perception that a switch may be imminent. Sources also claim that the DMK has made attempts to open back-channel communication with him.
Pressed directly on whether he would join TVK, the veteran avoided confirmation and simply ended with “Vanakkam,” offering no clue beyond that. Political observers expect clarity on his decision on November 27, when internal discussions are expected to conclude.
Sengottaiyan’s move has now become one of the most closely watched developments in Tamil Nadu politics, both for its symbolic blow to the AIADMK and the potential boost it could offer to whichever party secures his allegiance next.
