Setting the Stage in Gobichettipalayam
Gobichettipalayam has become the center of attention in Tamil Nadu politics this week. Senior AIADMK leader and MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan has made it clear—his upcoming address on September 5 isn’t just about him. It’s about the voices, frustrations, and demands of the AIADMK cadre who feel ignored in the party’s current climate.
On September 3, Sengottaiyan told reporters he will “speak openly” at 9:15 a.m. on September 5 at the party office. What he emphasized, though, struck a chord: his words will reflect the sentiments of party members across Tamil Nadu, not just his personal grievances.
“I Didn’t Call Them—They Came”
When asked about reports that nearly 10,000 supporters had turned up to show their strength, Sengottaiyan was quick to clarify. He hadn’t called anyone for consultations, he said. The people came voluntarily, a telling sign of the widespread dissatisfaction bubbling inside the AIADMK’s ranks.
The senior MLA’s tone carried both determination and frustration. For months, Sengottaiyan has reportedly felt sidelined, with the high command not seeking his input on key matters. The growing rift between him and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has been an open secret. And now, Sengottaiyan appears ready to bring that tension into full public view.
Induction of Expelled Leaders: Sengottaiyan’s Demand
On September 5, Sengottaiyan didn’t mince words. He urged Palaniswami to induct expelled leaders back into the AIADMK. He reminded reporters of the way former chief ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa had welcomed back leaders who once criticized them, always keeping the welfare of the state and unity of the party above personal ego.
His demand was sharp and time-bound: Palaniswami has 10 days to begin the process. If not, Sengottaiyan warned, like-minded leaders will band together and do it themselves. His ultimatum was not just a statement of intent—it was a direct challenge to Palaniswami’s leadership.
Who Should Return?
When pressed about which expelled leaders should be allowed back, Sengottaiyan kept his stance careful yet pointed. As general secretary, it’s Palaniswami’s decision, he said. But he also revealed that six senior leaders—including Natham R. Viswanathan, S.P. Velumani, P. Thangamani, K.P. Anbalagan, and C.V. Shanmugam—had already approached Palaniswami with the same request, only to be brushed aside.
These expelled leaders, Sengottaiyan explained, wanted to return without any conditions. His message was clear: ignoring them is a dangerous gamble for AIADMK’s future.
AIADMK’s Struggles Since Jayalalithaa
Ever since the passing of J. Jayalalithaa in 2016, AIADMK has struggled to find its footing. The party faced difficult elections in 2019, 2021, and again in 2024. In southern Tamil Nadu especially, setbacks have been painful. Sengottaiyan pointed out that had AIADMK maintained alliances in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they could have secured as many as 30 seats.
Party heavyweight S.P. Velumani echoed this sentiment. The message from these leaders is unmistakable: division within AIADMK is a recipe for repeated defeat.
“I Am Ready for Any Sacrifice”
In his address, Sengottaiyan emphasized his loyalty to AIADMK’s unity above all else. He recalled how he had stepped back twice when opportunities came his way, just to preserve party strength. His statement carried the weight of personal sacrifice and underscored his willingness to put the party’s survival ahead of personal ambition.
“I am ready for any sacrifice,” he said, a phrase that resonated deeply with the gathered crowd.
A Gathering of Cadres
The scene in Gobichettipalayam spoke volumes. Hundreds of cadres flocked to the AIADMK office, rallying behind Sengottaiyan. Their presence wasn’t just about supporting a leader—it was a show of resistance, a collective voice demanding unity, and a visible pushback against the current leadership’s decisions.
Why This Matters
What’s happening inside AIADMK is more than just a clash between Sengottaiyan and Palaniswami. It’s about the direction of one of Tamil Nadu’s most powerful political forces ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
The stakes are enormous. Sengottaiyan’s demand to reinduct expelled leaders isn’t simply about personal loyalty. It’s about whether AIADMK can rebuild the broad coalition it once commanded, especially in a political environment where cracks within the party could prove fatal in elections.
The Clock Is Ticking
Sengottaiyan’s 10-day ultimatum now hangs heavy over AIADMK leadership. Will Palaniswami bend, bringing expelled leaders back into the fold? Or will the standoff deepen, risking further divisions in an already fragile party?
For now, one thing is clear: September 5 was not just another press meet. It was a line drawn in the sand by K.A. Sengottaiyan—a veteran leader signaling that the voices of the AIADMK cadre can no longer be ignored.
