Former AIADMK veteran KA Sengottaiyan formally joined Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Chennai, bringing with him five decades of experience in Dravidian politics
Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu minister and senior AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan, a nine-term legislator with over 50 years of experience in Dravidian politics, officially joined actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday. Sengottaiyan’s entry was welcomed personally by TVK chief Vijay at the party headquarters in Panayur, Chennai, along with his supporters, which included a former MP and former MLA.
Sengottaiyan resigned from his MLA post representing Gobichettipalayam on November 26, following his expulsion from the AIADMK on October 31. The expulsion came after he pushed for the unification of the AIADMK by advocating for the return of expelled leaders such as VK Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, and O Panneerselvam. Sengottaiyan attributed his removal to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s “dictatorial approach,” saying his actions were aimed at strengthening party unity.
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In his welcome address, Vijay said, “Sengottaiyan joined MGR’s movement at the age of 20 and earned the trust of both MGR and Jayalalithaa. After 50 years of dedicated service in the same movement, I warmly welcome him and everyone joining with him. His political experience and decades of field work will be a major asset to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.”
Sengottaiyan brings decades of political expertise to TVK, which currently has a leadership largely composed of newer and less experienced figures. Analysts note that his inclusion will help strengthen the party’s organisational structure, strategy formulation, and electoral preparedness, especially ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His presence is also expected to address gaps highlighted during events like the Karur stampede, where TVK’s response was criticised for lack of experienced leadership.
Having first been elected MLA from Sathyamangalam and later Gobichettipalayam, Sengottaiyan also served as a minister in both Jayalalithaa and Edappadi Palaniswami Cabinets. Known for his organisational skills and grassroots strategy, he has long been regarded as a trusted advisor within the AIADMK, making him a valuable addition to TVK.
Sengottaiyan also revealed that his efforts to bring back expelled AIADMK leaders were made following requests from the BJP. However, he expressed disappointment with the BJP, which he felt abandoned him after the AIADMK General Secretary removed him from party positions and eventually expelled him.
With this move, TVK gains a seasoned politician capable of guiding the party through upcoming elections, mentoring young leaders, and strengthening its influence in key regions, particularly in the Kongu belt where Sengottaiyan has deep-rooted support.
Published: 27 Nov 2025, 11:51 am IST
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