In a significant development within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, senior AIADMK leader and Gobichettipalayam MLA K. A. Sengottaiyan has publicly appealed to party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami to reconcile with estranged factions and consolidate the party's strength for the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Erode on Friday, Sengottaiyan emphasised the need for unity, warning that failure to act swiftly could lead to alternative measures by like-minded members to fortify the organisation.
This call comes at a time when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is navigating internal divisions that have persisted since the death of its iconic leader J. Jayalalithaa in 2016, highlighting the challenges of maintaining cohesion in a party once dominant in the state's politics.
Sengottaiyan, a veteran politician and former state minister known for his roles in education and electricity portfolios during previous AIADMK regimes, specifically urged Palaniswami to "bring back" all members who have exited the party over the years. He argued that such reunification is essential to present a united front in the elections, likely referring to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, where the AIADMK aims to reclaim power from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Drawing on historical context, Sengottaiyan credited ousted interim general secretary V K Sasikala for endorsing Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate in the past, a nod to the turbulent period following Jayalalithaa's demise when factional rivalries led to splits involving figures like O Panneerselvam and T T V Dhinakaran. This reference underscores Sasikala's lingering influence in party lore, despite her expulsion and legal troubles, including a conviction in a disproportionate assets case.
The appeal sets a tight timeline, with Sengottaiyan stating that if Palaniswami does not initiate steps toward unity within the next ten days, he and other supporters will take matters into their own hands by rallying like-minded individuals to strengthen the AIADMK. This statement reflects growing impatience among some party veterans who believe that internal discord has weakened the AIADMK's electoral prospects, as evidenced by its performance in recent bypolls and the 2021 Assembly elections, where it secured only 66 seats compared to its previous dominance. Analysts suggest that reuniting factions could potentially revive the party's voter base, particularly in rural and southern districts where loyalty to Jayalalithaa's legacy remains strong, but it would require navigating complex egos and ideological differences.
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The AIADMK's internal dynamics have been a focal point of Tamil Nadu politics, with multiple expulsions and reconciliations shaping its trajectory. Palaniswami, who assumed leadership in 2017 and served as Chief Minister until 2021, has focused on consolidating his position by emphasising anti-DMK narratives and welfare schemes. However, critics within the party argue that excluding key figures has alienated grassroots workers and diminished its appeal. Sengottaiyan's intervention could signal a broader push for inclusivity, potentially involving outreach to former allies like Panneerselvam, who now leads a splinter group, or even Sasikala, who has expressed interest in returning to active politics.
As the state gears up for what promises to be a competitive electoral battle, this call for unity highlights the strategic imperatives facing opposition parties in Tamil Nadu. A fragmented AIADMK risks further erosion of its influence, while a cohesive front could challenge the DMK's governance narrative on issues like development, corruption, and federal relations. Party observers will be watching closely to see if Palaniswami responds to this olive branch, as it could redefine the AIADMK's path forward and impact the broader Dravidian political ecosystem.
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