In a dramatic turn of events, AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has sacked senior leader and former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan from his party positions. This action comes a day after Sengottaiyan's public call for the re-induction of expelled leaders to foster unity within the party. The decision, made by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), highlights the escalating internal strife and factionalism plaguing the party.

Sengottaiyan, a veteran leader and a long-time loyalist of the late J. Jayalalithaa, served as the District Organisation Secretary and District Secretary of the Erode Suburban West District. He has now been relieved of these responsibilities with immediate effect. In addition to Sengottaiyan, six of his supporters holding district-level positions have also been removed from their posts. These include union secretaries and town panchayat secretaries aligned with him in the Erode region.

The move follows Sengottaiyan's ultimatum to EPS, demanding the reinstatement of expelled leaders, including V.K. Sasikala, O. Panneerselvam (OPS), and T.T.V. Dhinakaran. Sengottaiyan stressed that these expelled leaders have expressed their willingness to rejoin the AIADMK without any preconditions. He argued that their return was necessary for the party to win elections.

Responding to his removal, Sengottaiyan expressed happiness with the decision taken against him by the AIADMK high command.

The decision to remove Sengottaiyan was made after EPS held a meeting with seven senior party leaders and former ministers in Dindigul. The meeting, lasting over an hour, included discussions with Dindigul Srinivasan, Natham Viswanathan, K.P. Munusamy, S.P. Velumani, Kamaraj, O.S. Manian, and Vijayabaskar.

Sengottaiyan's removal raises questions about the AIADMK's unity and direction, especially with upcoming political challenges. His call for reconciliation with expelled leaders reflects a growing sentiment within some factions of the party that unity is essential for electoral success. However, EPS's swift action indicates a firm stance against bringing back those who have been ousted. This also underscores the power struggle between different factions within the party.