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Key Points

AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has defended his controversial remarks about party unity. He clarified that his statements were meant to strengthen the party, not create division. The veteran leader referenced Annadurai's principle of "forget and forgive" as central to the AIADMP's ethos. His comments come after he was removed from key positions by party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

Key Points: AIADMK's Sengottaiyan Defends Unity Remarks After EPS Removes Him

  • Sengottaiyan claims remarks aimed at party consolidation, not division
  • Cites Annadurai's "forget and forgive" as AIADMK guiding principle
  • Removed as organization secretary by EPS after 10-day unity ultimatum
  • Met Union Ministers Amit Shah and Sitharaman in Delhi recently
2 min read

AIADMK leader Sengottaiyan defends remarks on unity; says words aimed at strengthening party

AIADMK leader Sengottaiyan clarifies his unity call wasn't divisive after being removed by EPS. He cites Annadurai's "forget and forgive" while eyeing 2026 polls.

"Those who need to understand, must understand. To achieve success in the 2026 Assembly election, all of us must come together - K.A. Sengottaiyan"

Chennai, Sep 15

Former Minister and Gobichettipalayam MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan on Monday clarified that his controversial remarks earlier this month were not meant to create division but to consolidate the AIADMK and ensure that the ideals of late Jayalalithaa continue to thrive in Tamil Nadu.

He asserted that the overwhelming response from party cadres to his appeal had reaffirmed his faith in the movement’s future.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai on his 117th birth anniversary, Sengottaiyan recalled Anna’s message of “forget and forgive,” describing it as the guiding principle of the AIADMK.

“M.G. Ramachandran founded this party in Anna’s name, and it was later nurtured and strengthened by Jayalalithaa. Their dream was to return to power, and their rule must prosper again,” he said.

Sengottaiyan’s comments come in the backdrop of his September 5 statement, where he had set a 10-day deadline for the party leadership to take steps towards readmitting members who had left the AIADMK.

While the deadline ended on Monday, he declined to comment further on the matter. However, he claimed that the response from party cadres and supporters to his earlier remarks had been “overwhelming and encouraging.”

Appealing once more for unity, the veteran leader said, “Those who need to understand, must understand. To achieve success in the 2026 Assembly election, all of us must come together and work with a collective spirit.”

His statements earlier this month had triggered a strong reaction from the leadership.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami subsequently removed Sengottaiyan from the posts of organisation secretary and secretary of the Erode Suburban (West) district unit.

Several of Sengottaiyan’s close supporters were also stripped of party responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Sengottaiyan’s political moves have gained attention after his meeting with Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on September 8.

Party insiders said the discussions centered on AIADMK’s internal issues, although no official word has been given.

As the countdown to the 2026 Assembly elections begins, Sengottaiyan’s stand signals that internal reconciliation could prove crucial for the AIADMK’s revival and its chances of returning to power in Tamil Nadu.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Setting deadlines within your own party? This looks more like pressure tactics than unity efforts. Why meet BJP leaders if it's purely internal party matter? 🤔
Suresh O
As an AIADMK supporter from Coimbatore, I appreciate Sengottaiyan's efforts. Party has been fragmented since Amma's passing. We need strong leadership that can unite everyone under one banner.
M
Michael C
Interesting political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. The BJP meeting suggests there might be more to this than just internal party unity. National parties seem to be taking keen interest in regional politics.
A
Ananya R
"Forget and forgive" is a beautiful principle that Anna taught us. If AIADMK leaders actually follow this, the party can become strong again. But everyone needs to practice it, not just talk about it.
K
Karthik V
EPS removing him from posts shows how threatened the leadership feels. Instead of punishing voices calling for unity, they should embrace constructive criticism. This is why DMK is winning easily.

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