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AIADMK Expels Sengottaiyan Over Anti-Party Activities
In a bold move, the AIADMK has ousted veteran leader and former Tamil Nadu Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan for associating with expelled trio O. Panneerselvam (OPS), T.T.V. Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala. The late-night announcement exposes deepening rifts within the party as factions vie for dominance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Why Was Sengottaiyan Removed?
AIADMK’s interim chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) cited Sengottaiyan’s “anti-party activities” and “breach of discipline”, referring to his recent meeting with OPS, TTV, and Sasikala. The 78-year-old leader, a six-time MLA from Gobi, had signaled a shift toward the anti-EPS camp, prompting his swift expulsion.
This move aims to deter further dissent within the AIADMK, reinforcing EPS’s iron grip on the party. Sources suggest Sengottaiyan grew disillusioned with EPS’s leadership, accusing him of sidelining senior members.
The Expelled Trio: EPS’s Biggest Challenge
The alliance of OPS, TTV Dhinakaran, and Sasikala poses the most significant threat to EPS’s authority:
– OPS, former CM, was ousted in 2022 after a power struggle.
– TTV Dhinakaran leads the breakaway AMMK.
– Sasikala, Jayalalithaa’s aide, seeks a political comeback since her 2021 prison release.
Their meeting with Sengottaiyan fueled speculation of a united anti-EPS front, raising fears of a split in the AIADMK’s voter base.
Sengottaiyan’s Legacy & Fall from Grace
A stalwart in western Tamil Nadu (Erode, Tiruppur), Sengottaiyan was a key strategist under Jayalalithaa and EPS. His expulsion marks a dramatic fall for a leader once central to the party’s success. Insiders claim his defiance of EPS was a desperate bid to regain relevance.
AIADMK’s Survival Struggle Ahead of 2024
With the DMK alliance dominating Tamil Nadu, EPS is racing to quash rebellion and present a united front. However, critics warn that purging veterans risks alienating traditional supporters.
Meanwhile, the expelled trio may leverage Sengottaiyan’s exit to woo disgruntled cadres. OPS and Sasikala have hinted at a broader anti-DMK, anti-EPS coalition, potentially reshaping Tamil Nadu’s opposition landscape.
Political Reactions
- DMK mocked the AIADMK’s turmoil: “A revolving door of expulsions.”
- BJP stayed silent, keeping options open with all factions.
- Sengottaiyan’s supporters called the expulsion a “witch hunt.”
What’s Next for AIADMK?
The party’s future hinges on whether EPS can prevent further defections or if more leaders will join the OPS-Sasikala bloc. As political realignments accelerate, the AIADMK faces a make-or-break moment—will it unite or fracture beyond repair?
Stay updated on Tamil Nadu politics with NextMinuteNews.
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