AIADMK Expels Senior Leader KA Sengottaiyan Amidst Internal Conflicts And Calls For Party Unity

AIADMK has expelled KA Sengottaiyan due to his actions perceived as harmful to the party's integrity. General Secretary EPS reaffirms commitment to foundational principles while addressing internal discord and leadership challenges.

The AIADMK expelled senior leader and former minister KA Sengottaiyan on Friday. This decision followed his appearance with expelled leaders O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, showcasing unity. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) announced the expulsion, citing Sengottaiyan's actions as detrimental to the party's dignity and a breach of its rules.

EPS emphasised that the AIADMK remains committed to the principles established by MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. He stated, "AIADMK has always stood firm on the principles laid down by MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. Any individual, regardless of position or seniority, who acts in violation of these principles will face strict disciplinary action. No one is above the party and its ideology." Members were instructed to sever all ties with Sengottaiyan.

Calls for Unity

Sengottaiyan had previously been stripped of all party roles after advocating for the re-admission of expelled members. He argued that unity was crucial for electoral success, stating, "If we get back those factions who left us, we can win the election." His suggestions were reportedly ignored by EPS following recent electoral setbacks.

VK Sasikala supported Sengottaiyan's unity appeal, describing it as echoing "the voice of every party worker." Meanwhile, Dhinakaran asserted that he, Sengottaiyan, and OPS united "to protect Jayalalithaa's party workers and to bring back her administration in Tamil Nadu."

Allegations Against OPS

On Thursday, EPS accused OPS of supporting DMK interests. During a campaign event, he remarked, "We lost our chance to win due to treacherous activity. We were not able to come to power in 2021 because of such betrayers." These comments highlight ongoing tensions within the party ranks.

The expulsion underscores internal conflicts within AIADMK as it grapples with leadership disputes and strategic decisions. The focus remains on adhering to foundational principles while navigating political challenges in Tamil Nadu.