Coimbatore, Apr 19: Senior AIADMK leader and former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan on Friday put an end to weeks of speculation over a rift with party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), by publicly praising his governance and drawing parallels with late stalwarts M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa. His endorsement comes after a prolonged silence and visible discontent within party circles, following a fallout over symbolic gestures that had sparked internal discord.Addressing a protest organised to condemn Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Ponmudy for his controversial remarks against women, Sengottaiyan used the platform to express his full faith in Palaniswami’s leadership. “Former Chief Ministers MGR and Jayalalithaa were the best rulers Tamil Nadu has seen. Following in their footsteps, Palaniswami also governed the state well,” he said, marking his first direct public statement in support of EPS in over two months.
Tensions within the AIADMK had come to the fore when Sengottaiyan expressed his displeasure over the absence of MGR and Jayalalithaa’s pictures on the invitation and banners of an event held in Coimbatore to felicitate Palaniswami for the Athikadavu-Avinashi water scheme. Sengottaiyan, a veteran AIADMK leader and a key figure from the western belt of Tamil Nadu, had even boycotted the event, fuelling rumours of a widening rift between him and the current leadership.
However, the party’s recent moves, including the reaffirmation of its alliance with the BJP and strategic preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections, appear to have paved the way for reconciliation. On Friday, Sengottaiyan not only praised EPS but also projected the AIADMK’s chances of returning to power with full majority. “We will win in all constituencies in the 2026 polls. Cadres must stay united and work hard to ensure victory,” he declared, striking a tone of unity and revival.
Adding to the optics of reconciliation was the prominent flex banner displayed at the protest venue. The banner carried images of EPS alongside MGR and Jayalalithaa, with Palaniswami’s image nearly equal in size to the party icons—a symbolic gesture that underscored the leadership’s intent to project continuity and collective identity.
Party insiders see this development as a significant step in AIADMK’s efforts to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of a politically charged election season. With Sengottaiyan back in the fold and voicing support, the Palaniswami-led leadership may now breathe easier as it looks to consolidate its base and gear up for a fierce political battle in 2026.
