Sengottaiyan's Defection: AIADMK Veteran Quits MLA Post, Eyes TVK Joining

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Tamil Nadu's KA Sengottaiyan, a 77-year-old nine-term legislator, has resigned as MLA of the Gobichettipalayam assembly constituency. This move comes after his expulsion from the AIADMK, a party he has been a part of since its inception in 1972. Sengottaiyan, a prominent figure from the Gounder community, had been removed from all party positions in September for allegedly going against the party's policies and principles. Sengottaiyan met Assembly Speaker M Appavu to submit his resignation letter, citing his long-standing commitment to the party. However, his plans to join TVK have sparked speculation, with sources suggesting that his supporters from the Gobichettipalayam region are likely to follow suit. This development marks the second instance of a Tamil Nadu MLA resigning to join another party ahead of the assembly elections next year. Sengottaiyan's move comes on the heels of expelled AIADMK leader Manoj Pandian, a loyalist of O Panneerselvam, who recently joined the ruling DMK. Sengottaiyan's meeting with actor Vijay, reportedly to discuss his TVK joining, has fueled further speculation. When asked about his plans, Sengottaiyan remained tight-lipped, saying 'please wait for a day.' The AIADMK's removal of Sengottaiyan has been met with widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a blow to the party's unity.