Boost for TVK ahead of 2026 polls: Ex-TN minister Sengottaiyan set to join Vijay’s party today
Chennai, Nov 27 (LatestNewsX) – Veteran AIADMK politician K.A. Sengottaiyan, a nine‑time MLA and one of the party’s most senior figures, is expected to join Vijay’s newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TRP) on Thursday. This move signals a major realignment in Tamil Nadu’s political arena as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.
Sengottaiyan first won a seat in the Assembly in 1977 and went on to secure nine consecutive terms. He fell out with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) after publicly urging the party to reinstate members who had been expelled and calling for unity among its fractured factions. His remarks drew a sharp rebuke, leading to his removal from all party positions.
The controversy escalated when he met V.K. Sasikala, O. Panneerselvam, and T.T.V. Dhinakaran during the Muthuramalinga Thevar Jayanthi celebrations in Pasumpon, Ramanathapuram district. Sengottaiyan later confirmed that discussions about reunifying AIADMK factions had taken place, further inflaming tensions with EPS. Consequently, he was expelled from the party, and many of his supporters were removed as well.
After weeks of speculation over his next political step, Sengottaiyan tendered his resignation as MLA on Wednesday morning. He arrived at the Secretariat around 11 a.m., handed a signed resignation to Speaker Appavu, and when pressed by the press, simply said, “Wait for one day,” before leaving. Minister Shekhar Babu then spent roughly half an hour with him, prompting rumors that the DMK might be eyeing a recruitment. Later that day, at his Alwarpet home, Sengottaiyan removed the AIADMK flag from his car, signalling his definitive split.
By evening, the picture had become clearer. Vijay moved from his Neelankarai residence to his Pattinapakkam house, where he met with party secretary Bussy Anand and election manager Aadhav Arjuna. At 4:30 p.m., Sengottaiyan arrived and spent about two hours discussing strategy and future plans with the actor‑turned‑politician. According to insiders, the two leaders were candid about their visions.
Sengottaiyan is slated to join the TVK office in Panaiyur along with his supporters later today. Reports suggest he may be given a senior role—perhaps as general secretary or chairman—strengthening TVK’s electoral machinery, alliance talks, and campaign operations. Analysts believe his extensive experience will give the new party a significant advantage.
Meanwhile, former Puducherry BJP president Saminathan is expected to align with TVK today, and former Karaikal MLA Hasan may also make his official entrance under Vijay’s accompaniment, indicating rapid shifts across the region.
With Sengottaiyan’s accession, Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is set for a substantial shift as the state moves closer to the 2026 Assembly polls.
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