Senior AIADMK Leader Pushes for Party Unity, Backs Sasikala's Return

Chennai: Fresh tension seems to be brewing inside the AIADMK as senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan prepares to meet his supporters on September 5. He has hinted that he will make his stand public on Friday, raising speculation about a possible rift in the party.

According to sources, Sengottaiyan has been pressing for party unity and is believed to support bringing back expelled former interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala. His stance is seen as a direct challenge to the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), who has consistently rejected any reconciliation with her.

Sengottaiyan, a veteran leader and former minister, has shown signs of dissent before. Earlier this year, he skipped a felicitation event for EPS, citing the absence of AIADMK icons M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa on the banners. His move was viewed as a subtle protest. In the past, he also travelled to New Delhi amid speculation about internal rifts, though the talk quietened after EPS met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The unease adds to the party’s long-standing troubles. In July 2022, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) was expelled after a bitter power struggle with EPS. Once Jayalalithaa’s close aide, OPS had initially opposed Sasikala in 2017 but later merged with EPS under BJP pressure, only for their partnership to collapse later.

Now, Sengottaiyan’s push for Sasikala’s return could reopen old wounds—splitting those who want to stand firmly with EPS and others who believe reconciling with Sasikala is crucial for rebuilding the party.

Meanwhile, Sasikala has made it clear that she wants to return to active politics. Promising to revive the AIADMK and restore Jayalalithaa’s style of governance, she has argued that only experienced hands can solve the party’s current crisis. “No matter how hard it is, Amma’s rule will be brought back,” she said, signalling her determination to reclaim space in Tamil Nadu politics.