Upset AIADMK leader Sengottaiyan to speak ‘openly’ on September 5

Senior AIADMK leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who is understood to be upset with the party leadership, on Tuesday (September 2, 2025), announced that he will “speak openly” to the media at the party office in Gobichettipalayam on September 5.

The rift between the senior leader and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has been apparent for several months. Mr. Sengottaiyan reportedly felt sidelined within the party, claiming he was given less importance and not consulted by the high command.

In February, during a felicitation event for Mr. Palaniswami at Annur marking the completion of the Athikadavu–Avinashi project, Sengottaiyan raised concerns with organisers over the absence of former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa’s photographs on stage and chose not to attend the event.

Since then, he has openly conveyed his dissatisfaction, particularly ahead of the launch of the ‘Makkalai Kaappom, Tamizhagathai Meetppom’ roadshow from Mettupalayam. Although Mr. Palaniswami passed through Gobichettipalayam enroute, Sengottaiyan did not personally receive him, sparking a controversy within party ranks.

During a brief interaction in Gobichettipalayam on Tuesday morning, he said he would address the media at the party office on September 5, further fuelling speculation about a rift with the party leader Mr. Palaniswami. “I will speak openly at the AIADMK party office in Gobichettipalayam on September 5. Wait and see what I have to say,” he said.

Mr. Sengottaiyan, who serves as secretary of the party’s Erode Suburban (West) District unit, also held consultations with supporters and party functionaries at his farmhouse in Gobichettipalayam. The outcome of the meeting is yet to be known.