In a whirlwind of political speculation, senior AIADMK leader K A Sengottaiyan has firmly denied meeting AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran during a recent trip to Chennai, quashing rumors of a clandestine political rendezvous. Speaking to reporters in Erode on Thursday, the veteran politician clarified that his visit to the state capital on September 24 was purely personal, driven by the need to attend to his wife’s medical treatment at a hospital. The denial comes amid heightened tensions within the AIADMK, as Sengottaiyan continues to champion the cause of uniting the party’s fractured factions to honor the legacy of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Sengottaiyan, a former state minister and a vocal advocate for reconciliation within the AIADMK, emphasized the importance of solidarity to fulfill Jayalalithaa’s vision of a century-long rule for the party. “I did not meet any political figures during my Chennai visit. My focus was solely on personal matters,” he told the press, dismissing claims of a meeting with Dhinakaran, the AMMK general secretary and a key figure in the party’s ongoing internal saga. He reiterated his belief that the AIADMK must stand united to overcome its challenges and reclaim its political dominance in Tamil Nadu, a goal he sees as critical to preserving the ideals of its revered founder, affectionately known as “Amma.”

The AIADMK has been grappling with internal strife since Jayalalithaa’s passing in 2016, marked by power struggles, factionalism, and electoral setbacks. The party’s current general secretary, former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, has solidified his leadership and forged an alliance with the BJP, but his approach has not been without controversy. Sengottaiyan’s recent ultimatum to Palaniswami, urging him to reconcile with expelled leaders like O Panneerselvam, V K Sasikala, and Dhinakaran, sent shockwaves through the party. Palaniswami, however, rebuffed the call for unity, stripping Sengottaiyan of his party posts in a bold move that underscored the deep divisions within the AIADMK’s ranks.

Also Read: AIADMK Chief Says DMK-Congress Rift Deepening Before Tamil Nadu Elections

The rumors of Sengottaiyan’s meeting with Dhinakaran fueled speculation of a potential realignment within the party, as both leaders have publicly supported the idea of reunification. Dhinakaran, Sasikala’s nephew and a polarizing figure, has been pushing for a return to the AIADMK fold, leveraging his AMMK platform to rally support. Sengottaiyan’s denial, however, puts a damper on these hopes, at least for now, as he insists his focus remains on his personal life and the broader goal of party unity rather than backroom deals. Political analysts suggest that his comments reflect a delicate balancing act, as he navigates his loyalty to the AIADMK while advocating for reconciliation without alienating its current leadership.

As Tamil Nadu’s political landscape remains volatile, Sengottaiyan’s statements highlight the ongoing turmoil within one of its most storied political outfits. The AIADMK’s internal battles have weakened its standing, with the DMK capitalizing on its rival’s disarray to dominate recent elections. Supporters of Jayalalithaa’s legacy, both within and outside the party, are watching closely to see if leaders like Sengottaiyan can bridge the gap between factions or if the AIADMK will continue to fracture. For now, Sengottaiyan’s call for unity remains a fervent plea, but whether it can translate into action in the face of entrenched rivalries remains an open question.

Also Read: Ex-CM Panneerselvam Revives AIADMK Reunion Hopes