Chennai, Tamil Nadu, November 1, 2025: Former Tamil Nadu state education minister and veteran AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan has announced his decision to move the court challenging his expulsion from the party. Sengottaiyan, who has been associated with AIADMK for more than five decades, alleged that the manner of his dismissal violated party law and accused General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of acting as a dictator within the party.

Sengottaiyan, currently MLA from the Gobichettipalayam constituency, expressed his deep shock and sadness over the expulsion. “I was MLA even before Palaniswami joined the party. According to our party rules, at least a notice should have been issued asking me to explain my actions. Instead, he acted as a dictator. This is against party law,” Sengottaiyan said in a detailed statement on Saturday.

He referred to the founding principles of the party laid down by former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in 1975, which stated that cadres should elect the General Secretary and that the position should not be changed arbitrarily. Sengottaiyan alleged that Palaniswami had manipulated party processes for personal gain, noting, “Everyone knows how he became CM through Chinnamma (Sasikala). Our party was caved and our government was saved by the BJP. Yet, he changes his stand every day and speaks differently at every forum.”

Sengottaiyan also raised concerns over internal party handling of cases such as the Kodanad murder incident, stating that no party members were given a chance to present their side. “Despite being sacked from the party, the expulsion was not in accordance with party law. I want to be with the party continuously. I will consult my lawyers and take appropriate legal action,” he added.

Expressing his emotional turmoil, Sengottaiyan revealed that he had shed tears over the expulsion and could not sleep the entire night. He also alleged that the DMK, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, was indirectly supporting Palaniswami. “I joined other expelled leaders for Devar Jayanthi to strengthen the party. For that, I was sacked and labeled as supporting DMK, which is not true. I want AIADMK to be strong. This party is our life. I have been with it for 53 years, and this decision is deeply worrisome,” he said.

Sengottaiyan also criticized Palaniswami, saying, “He (Palaniswami) should be given a Nobel Prize for lies, like how he betrays party principles. He is just a temporary General Secretary, yet he acts as if he has permanent authority.” Sengottaiyan emphasized his dedication to the party, stating that despite being expelled, he wishes to continue traveling and working with AIADMK as long as possible.

The expulsion came after allegations that Sengottaiyan had violated party discipline by maintaining contact with individuals who had previously been expelled from AIADMK, including former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran. General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami defended the decision, asserting that it was taken in accordance with party law.

“When he attends events in his constituency, there are no pictures of our leaders, Amma, or Thalaivar. He was seen with those expelled from the party. Workers should know this action is not arbitrary but follows party law. When someone weakens the party, the headquarters cannot remain silent,” Palaniswami said.

Following the expulsion, Palaniswami directed all party members to sever connections with Sengottaiyan and refrain from any interaction with him. He emphasized that the action was necessary to maintain party discipline and uphold AIADMK’s principles.

The situation has sparked debates within AIADMK circles, with some leaders expressing concern over the handling of senior members and the perceived centralization of power in the hands of the General Secretary. Analysts suggest that Sengottaiyan’s legal challenge could lead to an internal review of the party’s disciplinary procedures and possibly influence the ongoing power dynamics ahead of upcoming state elections.

KA Sengottaiyan, known for his long-standing contributions to education and politics in Tamil Nadu, has been a prominent figure in AIADMK since the early 1970s. His expulsion marks a significant development in the party’s internal politics, highlighting growing tensions between senior leaders and the current leadership.

As Sengottaiyan prepares to approach the court, AIADMK members and observers are closely watching the potential implications for party unity and governance. The coming weeks may determine whether the legal challenge will lead to a reinstatement, a negotiated settlement, or further factional divisions within the party.

This episode underscores the ongoing struggles within Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, where party loyalty, leadership authority, and legal recourse intersect, shaping both the careers of veteran politicians and the future direction of major political parties.