Sengottaiyan accuses Palaniswami of weakening AIADMK by expelling ‘anyone who speaks their mind’

Gobichettipalayam MLA and former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who was recently expelled from the AIADMK, on Friday (November 7, 2025) accused the party’s general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of running the organisation under the control of his family members and weakening the movement built by former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.

Speaking to reporters in Gobichettipalayam, Mr. Sengottaiyan said uniting those who had “drifted away” from the party and bringing together committed cadres were essential to revive the ideals of M.G.R. and Jayalalithaa. “I voiced views for coordination and unity, but was removed from party responsibilities soon after,” he said.

According to him, during Jayalalithaa’s leadership, even when differences arose, she never humiliated or expelled senior functionaries. “Today, anyone who speaks their mind faces disciplinary action. This weakens the movement,” he said.

Questioning Mr. Palaniswami’s silence on seeking a CBI probe into the Kodanad murder and heist case, Mr. Sengottaiyan asked, “A murder occurred in the Kodanad bungalow where Jayalalithaa lived, a place revered by AIADMK cadre. Why has Mr. Palaniswami not demanded a CBI investigation into it?” Describing Mr. Palaniswami’s remark of calling him the “B Team” of the DMK as “painful,” he said, “If not for leaders like us, Mr. Palaniswami could not have become Chief Minister. It was Sasikala, the then general secretary, who was instrumental in his elevation.”

He charged that the present leadership had sidelined long-time loyalists while accommodating newcomers from other parties. “Those who once helped and guided the movement are forgotten. Even for contesting elections, money power now seems to decide candidatures,” he alleged. Listing his contributions to the Gobichettipalayam constituency, he said, “Various organisations have appreciated my work that transformed this constituency into a developed region. Yet, Mr. Palaniswami claims I did nothing, which is hurtful.”

Mr. Sengottaiyan said the AIADMK’s democratic traditions had eroded under the current leadership. “The right to express opinions within the party is being denied. For the movement to stay strong, internal discussions must be encouraged,” he said. He also criticised the rule restricting Booth Committee members to those under 45 years, saying it excluded experienced administrators in the party. “The AIADMK has survived on collective sacrifice and discipline. If expulsions continue, the organisation will fade away like the full moon turning into a new moon,” he remarked.

‘Dynastic politics’

Accusing Mr. Palaniswami of allowing family members, including his son, son-in-law, and nephews, to influence party affairs, he said, “If AIADMK truly opposed dynastic politics, such practices would have been rejected long ago.” When asked if he would launch a new party or join the AIADMK Workers’ Rights Retrieval Committee headed by expelled leader O Panneerselvam, he said, “Wait and see. For now, I am only voicing democratic opinions. What I seek is unity and strength for the movement.”

He added that his expulsion had deeply hurt him. “It pains me that a movement I served all my life now punishes those who speak with sincerity,” he said.