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Key Points

Senior AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has openly criticized the party leadership after being removed from all organizational posts. The nine-time MLA questioned whether democracy truly functions within the party, noting he was never given an explanation. He maintains that his call for unity and readmission of expelled leaders reflects popular sentiment within the cadre. Sengottaiyan vows to continue pushing for inclusiveness despite his removal from party positions.

Key Points: AIADMK MLA Sengottaiyan Questions Party Democracy After Removal

  • Sengottaiyan removed as organization secretary and district unit secretary
  • Seven loyalists also dismissed from district-level roles
  • Questions lack of explanation before disciplinary action
  • Claims his stance has support from TTV Dhinakaran and BJP leaders
2 min read

MLA Sengottaiyan questions AIADMK's democratic claims after removal from all party posts

Senior AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan criticizes party leadership after being stripped of all posts, questioning internal democracy and demanding unity.

"“Only a united AIADMK can return to power. Yesterday I expressed my views, and today I have been relieved of my posts.” - K.A. Sengottaiyan"

Chennai, Sep 6

In a dramatic escalation of internal tensions, senior AIADMK leader and Gobichettipalayam MLA, K.A. Sengottaiyan, on Saturday hit out at the party leadership after being stripped of his organisational responsibilities, questioning whether democracy truly functioned within the party.

Sengottaiyan, a nine-time legislator and former Minister, was removed from his posts as organisation secretary and as secretary of the Erode Suburban (West) district unit.

The AIADMK high command also dismissed seven of his loyalists from district-level roles, in response to his ultimatum that the leadership should readmit former functionaries and leaders within ten days to consolidate the party.

Speaking to reporters in Gobichettipalayam after the announcement, Sengottaiyan said he had merely voiced the opinion of the cadre and people.

“Only a united AIADMK can return to power. Yesterday I expressed my views, and today I have been relieved of my posts,” he remarked.

Without naming AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, he observed that democracy in a party meant seeking an explanation before disciplinary action.

“He himself has said that anyone can express their opinion freely. Then why not allow me the same space?” he asked.

When pressed on whether Palaniswami was directly behind his removal, Sengottaiyan quipped, “Cannot say now.”

On whether he had raised his concerns in the general body meeting, he retorted, “When was it convened?”

He maintained that his appeal was in line with popular sentiment, recalling that even expelled leaders had requested to rejoin unconditionally.

He further stressed that his stand had received support from several political figures, including T.T.V. Dhinakaran, BJP leader H. Raja, and DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakant.

“This is not about personal gain. It is about the future of the party,” he said, adding that time would show whether he had consulted senior colleagues before going public.

Asserting that his removal would not deter him, Sengottaiyan vowed to continue pressing for unity and inclusiveness within the AIADMK, insisting that the path he had chosen was aligned with the aspirations of both the cadre and the public.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sengottaiyan has a point. A party that claims to be democratic should at least hear out its senior members before taking action. EPS is acting like a dictator rather than a leader.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see how Indian political parties handle internal dissent. In mature democracies, internal debate is encouraged. Here it seems like any criticism is met with immediate removal.
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Vikram M
Nine-time MLA removed just for speaking his mind? This shows how fragile the AIADMK leadership has become. They should focus on fighting DMK instead of internal purges.
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Aditya G
While I agree parties need discipline, this seems excessive. Sengottaiyan was only asking for unity and inclusion of expelled leaders. That's actually good for the party's future.
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Michael C
The timing of this is crucial - just before elections. AIADMK needs to get its house in order instead of these power struggles. Tamil Nadu needs a strong opposition.
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, maybe Sengottaiyan should have raised concerns internally first instead of going public. Public ultimatums to leadership rarely work in any political party. Both sides could have handled this better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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