Gobichettipalayam MLA KA Sengottaiyan, who was expelled from the AIADMK, addresses the media at the constituency in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district on Saturday | Photo credit: M. Govarthan
A day after his expulsion from the AIADMK for “contrary to the principles and objectives of the party”, senior leader and Gobichettipalayam MLA KA Sengottaiyan said on Saturday (November 1, 2025) that Edappadi K. Palaniswami was only serving as the “interim” general secretary.
His (Mr. Sengottaiyan’s) expulsion from the party after 53 years of service was “unjustified,” he added. The expulsion without explanation was autocratic and violated party rules, he further said.
“The action against me is painful and unfair. I wish to continue as an AIADMK member and I will file a criminal complaint in this regard,” he told reporters at his farmhouse in Kullampalayam after the press meet shifted from the party office in Gobichettipalayam.
Recalling his long association with the party since 1972, Mr. Sengottaiyan said his loyalty to the AIADMK and the leadership of MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa earned him ministerial posts. “After Amma’s demise, I ensured that the movement did not split and twice gave up leadership opportunities for the sake of unity,” he said. The party has suffered continuous defeats under Mr. Palaniswami since 2019.
“There was no defeat during MGR’s time. When Jayalalithaa lost once, she worked hard and won again. A movement with millions of cadres can win only through unity,” he said.
Mr. Sengottaiyan said he recommended Mr. Palaniswami for the post of Chief Minister after Jayalalithaa’s death and repeatedly urged unity. “If we fail again in 2026, who will take responsibility? My call was only to start unity talks within 10 days, it was not an ultimatum,” he explained.
Rejecting Mr. Palaniswami’s allegation that he was part of DMK’s “B team”, he claimed, “He (Mr. Palaniswami) is A1 (accused no. 1) in the Kodanad robbery-murder case,” referring to the 2017 burglary of Jayalalithaa’s bungalow during which a security guard was murdered.
Citing MGR’s 1975 rule that the general secretary must be elected by the cadre, Mr. Sengottaiyan said he only echoed the views of party workers. “Even my expulsion was not due process. I will challenge it legally,” he reiterated.
Published – 01 Nov 2025 13:11 IST
