Expelled AIADMK Leader KA Sengottaiyan Joins Vijay’s TVK After Resigning As MLA

Last Updated:November 27, 2025, 10:34 IST

Former AIADMK veteran KA Sengottaiyan joined actor Vijay’s TVK days after resigning as MLA, ending his decades-long association with the AIADMK.

Expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister KA Sengottaiyan joined actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party on Thursday.

Sengottaiyan’s supporters travelled from Gobichettipalayam, Sengottaiyan’s long-held Assembly constituency, and gathered in large numbers outside the party office in Chennai, where General Secretary N Anand welcomed them.

Sengottaiyan resigned as MLA on November 26, triggering intense speculation about his political future and paving the way for his entry into TVK.

His resignation came weeks after he was expelled from the AIADMK in October, with the party accusing him of maintaining contact with individuals previously removed from the organisation, an act the leadership said violated party discipline and tarnished its image.

Following his expulsion, Sengottaiyan had publicly vowed to challenge the decision in court, questioning the legality and fairness of the disciplinary action.

He strongly criticised AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), alleging authoritarian behaviour and a departure from the foundational principles laid down by party icons.

Speaking earlier on November 1, Sengottaiyan said, “I was MLA even before he came to the party. A notice should have been given as per the party law. He (Palaniswami) is acting like a dictator, and acting against party rules is worrisome.”

“In 1975, our founder MGR brought a law that cadres should elect the General Secretary, and it should not be changed,” he had said.

He also accused EPS of undermining the role of party workers and reminded that the AIADMK government in 2017 survived only with the support of the BJP.

“In 2024 we left the BJP alliance. What benefit came from that?” he asked.

EPS, however, defended his decision, saying it was taken strictly in accordance with party rules.

KA Sengottaiyan, who hails from Kullampalayam village near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district, is one of the AIADMK’s most senior figures, having served as MLA nine times since 1977.

During the AIADMK split into the Janaki and Jayalalithaa factions, he sided with Jayalalithaa, won on the ‘Rooster’ symbol, and went on to become a trusted organiser known for planning her campaign tours.

The veteran leader met TVK chief Vijay on Wednesday, soon after resigning as MLA, signalling the end of his nearly five-decade association with the AIADMK and marking a significant gain for TVK as it continues to attract prominent political figures in Tamil Nadu.

ALSO READ | ‘Pained And Sleepless’: AIADMK Leader KA Sengottaiyan After Expulsion From Party After 50 Years

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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