CHENNAI – In a dramatic turn of events, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has expelled senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan from the party, just a day after he met with expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and T.T.V. Dhinakaran. The announcement was made by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Friday.

The expulsion follows Sengottaiyan's appearance alongside OPS, Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala at a Thevar guru puja in Pasumpon, Ramanathapuram district, on October 30. This public display of unity among leaders who have been at odds with the AIADMK leadership signaled a significant challenge to Palaniswami's authority.

Palaniswami stated that Sengottaiyan had acted in a manner contrary to the party's policies, objectives, and principles. He emphasized that AIADMK members should not maintain contact with those expelled from the party and accused Sengottaiyan of tarnishing the party's reputation and violating party discipline. Palaniswami has directed party members to cease all contact with Sengottaiyan.

Sengottaiyan had previously been removed from key party responsibilities, including his posts as Organisation Secretary and Erode (Rural West) District Secretary, on September 6, 2025. This action came after Sengottaiyan called for the re-induction of expelled leaders, arguing that unity was essential for the party's comeback. He had given a 10-day deadline for the party to take steps toward this. However, Sengottaiyan later claimed that the media had misquoted him regarding the deadline.

Sasikala, a former close aide of the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, welcomed Sengottaiyan's call for unity, stating that it reflected the "voice of every party worker". Dhinakaran echoed this sentiment, asserting that he, Sengottaiyan, and OPS had come together to protect Jayalalithaa's party workers and to restore her administration in Tamil Nadu.

In response to Sengottaiyan's recent actions, Palaniswami accused him of working against the party and held him responsible for the party's defeat in Anthiyur in the 2021 Assembly election. Palaniswami has also accused OPS of acting in favor of the DMK.

Palaniswami downplayed the coming together of Sengottaiyan, OPS, and Dhinakaran, stating that it would not impact the party. He said that AIADMK would not be shaken by "traitors who are DMK's 'B' team". He further added that even if the three unite, it will make no difference.

The AIADMK, founded by M.G. Ramachandran in 1972, has been a major political force in Tamil Nadu. The party has faced internal strife and factionalism, particularly after the death of Jayalalithaa in 2016. Sasikala was appointed as AIADMK General Secretary in December 2016 but was later convicted in a disproportionate assets case. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has led the party since July 2022, following his appointment as General Secretary by the AIADMK General Council.

The expulsion of Sengottaiyan highlights the ongoing challenges and power struggles within the AIADMK as it prepares for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. The call for unity among various factions reflects a desire to strengthen the party against the ruling DMK, but the path forward remains uncertain.