K.A. Sengottaiyan's recent move to join actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has sent ripples through Tamil Nadu's political landscape, particularly concerning its impact on the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the prospects of uniting AIADMK votes.

Sengottaiyan, a veteran politician with a 50-year history in the AIADMK, was expelled from the party by General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) in October after he advocated for the reunification of all AIADMK factions. This push for unity involved meetings with expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS), T.T.V. Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala. Following his expulsion, Sengottaiyan resigned as MLA from the Gobichettipalayam seat and met with Vijay, leading to his formal induction into the TVK on November 27, 2025. He was promptly appointed as the chief administrative committee coordinator, signaling TVK's intention to leverage his extensive experience.

For the AIADMK, Sengottaiyan's departure is a blow, especially given his stature as a nine-time MLA and a leader who has worked closely with AIADMK stalwarts M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. His move raises questions about the AIADMK's internal unity, especially with a general council meeting approaching. Political analysts suggest that Sengottaiyan's actions could test the AIADMK's ability to contain simmering dissatisfaction within its ranks.

Sengottaiyan's move to TVK also throws a wrench into any potential AIADMK unification efforts. His initial call for unification was reportedly made on the advice of the BJP, but his alignment with Vijay's TVK now reframes his mission as one focused on bringing established AIADMK figures with strong regional and caste influence into the TVK.

The implications of Sengottaiyan's switch are particularly relevant in the Kongu belt, a traditional AIADMK stronghold encompassing Coimbatore, Erode, Nilgiris, and Tiruppur. TVK appointed Sengottaiyan as organizing secretary for this influential region, aiming to capitalize on his deep connections there. This move is seen as a strategic asset for TVK as it prepares for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Analysts suggest that Sengottaiyan's move to TVK may not significantly harm the AIADMK but could substantially benefit Vijay's party. For TVK, which primarily relies on Vijay's popularity and a young support base, Sengottaiyan's experience and political acumen represent a turning point. His home turf of Gobichettipalayam could become TVK's first winnable constituency in the 2026 elections, potentially making him the party's second "assured seat" after Vijay.

Sengottaiyan's shift also clarifies the previously ambiguous relationship between TVK and AIADMK, potentially closing the door on a TVK-AIADMK alliance. This scenario had unsettled the DMK, which viewed such a partnership as a significant threat in the upcoming polls. While Vijay has consistently criticized the DMK and BJP, he had largely avoided directly attacking the AIADMK and often invoked its icons with reverence. Sengottaiyan's move suggests a more direct challenge to the AIADMK in the future.

Overall, K.A. Sengottaiyan's decision to join TVK marks a notable development in Tamil Nadu politics. It introduces new dynamics in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, potentially fragmenting AIADMK votes and boosting TVK's prospects while further complicating the already complex landscape of alliances and rivalries in the state.