In a major twist in Tamil Nadu’s political scene, senior AIADMK leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan has joined hands with expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and T.T.V. Dhinakaran, signaling a renewed push for uniting splinter factions of the AIADMK. The move came just days after Sengottaiyan’s ultimatum to the party high command—to reinstate the ousted leaders within ten days—expired, resulting in his removal from key party posts.The three leaders, once part of the AIADMK’s core team, shared a car ride to Pasumpon to pay floral tributes at the memorial of Thevar community icon Muthuramalinga Thevar on his 118th birth anniversary and 63rd Guru Puja. Their joint appearance sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu’s political circles, symbolizing a clear act of defiance against AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). Addressing the media, Sengottaiyan said, “We have come together to unite all AIADMK cadres and restore the golden rule of MGR and Jayalalithaa.” Dhinakaran added, “Our only enemy is Mr. Palaniswami. We are not against the AIADMK but want to strengthen it by bringing everyone together.” OPS echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Later, the trio met V.K. Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, who arrived separately to pay her respects at the memorial. They reportedly held discussions on their next course of action, indicating that a broader consolidation among former AIADMK leaders could be on the horizon.
However, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami hit back strongly, branding the trio as “traitors” and dismissing their meeting as “political drama.” He accused them of being responsible for AIADMK’s defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections. “Dhinakaran has been saying for four years that he will dethrone me. It’s the same drama again. We lost because of betrayals from within. These very people caused our downfall then,” EPS charged. He also took a swipe at OPS, questioning his loyalty after OPS reportedly remarked that DMK might return to power in 2026. “No true AIADMK member would say such a thing,” Palaniswami said, calling them “DMK’s B-team.”
EPS made it clear that action would be taken against Sengottaiyan for violating party discipline. “In AIADMK, anyone who goes against the leadership’s stand will face appropriate action, no matter who they are,” he warned. He reiterated that AIADMK remains united and strong under his leadership. “We are growing stronger every day. If crops are to flourish, weeds must be removed. Those weeds have been rooted out, and the AIADMK crop is thriving again,” he remarked.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the coming together of Sengottaiyan, OPS, and Dhinakaran has once again exposed the deep divisions within the AIADMK. While the trio claims to be working toward reviving the MGR-Jayalalithaa era, EPS remains firm on retaining control of the party, setting the stage for another round of internal political battles in Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition camp.