Chennai: In a significant political development months ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, expelled AIADMK veteran and nine-time MLA KA Sengottaiyan formally joined actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday. Vijay welcomed the senior leader at the party headquarters in Chennai, draping the TVK shawl over him to mark his induction.

Sengottaiyan had met Vijay privately on Wednesday, setting the stage for his high-profile entry into the state’s newest political force.

An influential figure in the Gounder belt of western Tamil Nadu — historically the AIADMK’s stronghold — Sengottaiyan is known for his meticulous booth-level planning and organisational skills. Over five decades, he served as a trusted strategist to party icons MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, shaping numerous campaign victories for the AIADMK.

With TVK gearing up for its first Assembly election in 2026, his inclusion is seen as the party’s first major political acquisition. Party insiders said he has been promised a role in governance if the TVK forms the government.

Vijay hails veteran leader’s experience

In a statement posted on X, Vijay praised Sengottaiyan’s long political journey and the value he brings to TVK.

“When he was just 20, he trusted MGR and joined the party. At a young age, he accepted the responsibility of an MLA. In his 50-year political journey, he has been the confidante of two big leaders, MGR and Jayalalithaa. His political maturity and field experience will greatly help TVK. I welcome brother Sengottaiyan,” Vijay said.

The induction is expected to energise TVK’s cadre base, which has been expanding rapidly but lacks experienced second-rung leadership.

Strategic gain for TVK after recent setbacks

The TVK has been under pressure to strengthen its organisational structure, especially after facing criticism for its slow response to the deadly Karur stampede, in which 41 people died. Political analysts say the party’s reaction exposed weak coordination within its ranks.

Sengottaiyan, who has served as a minister, MLA and party strategist, is expected to guide TVK’s constituency-level planning, grassroots mobilisation and electoral messaging. Analysts told NDTV that his deep knowledge of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape — “he knows the constituencies like the palm of his hand” — will be crucial for the party.

Party sources said he may be given a key organisational post in the coming weeks.

Why Sengottaiyan was expelled from AIADMK

Sengottaiyan’s expulsion from the AIADMK followed internal disagreements with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). The veteran repeatedly urged the leadership to bring back VK Sasikala, O Panneerselvam (OPS) and TTV Dhinakaran, arguing that uniting all factions was essential after the AIADMK’s three consecutive electoral defeats since Jayalalithaa’s death.

EPS first stripped him of all party positions and later expelled him after he met Sasikala and OPS. His earlier meetings with BJP leaders had also sparked speculation, with some alleging he was a “BJP agent”, a claim he has neither confirmed nor denied.

AIADMK downplays departure

Reacting to the development, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan told NDTV that the party would not be affected.

“No individual is bigger than the party, its symbol, or its ideology. He disowned the AIADMK, which gave him recognition. The liability now shifts to the TVK,” he said.

The AIADMK maintains that Sengottaiyan’s influence is restricted to his traditional constituency and will not dent its prospects.

DMK and other reactions

The ruling DMK said the development was more damaging to the AIADMK than to its own prospects. Party spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah said Sengottaiyan’s exit would deepen insecurity within AIADMK cadres.

He also reiterated the DMK’s long-standing allegation that the BJP “controls the AIADMK”, a claim that BJP sources dismissed.

Sengottaiyan has earlier stated that his attempts to reunite AIADMK factions were made “at the behest of the BJP”. The NDA’s influence in Tamil Nadu has been weakening in recent years, with OPS and Dhinakaran distancing themselves from the alliance.

Conclusion

Sengottaiyan’s entry into TVK marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. His decades of experience and deep organisational knowledge could provide the structure and strategic clarity the fledgling party needs ahead of the 2026 election. While the AIADMK insists the move will not affect its standing, the veteran leader’s defection has undoubtedly reshaped the political equations in the western region of the state.