THENI: The unity call by K A Sengottaiyan evoked muted response from AIADMK leaders while those who were expelled from the party welcomed it. While AIADMK leaders Dindigul C Seenivasan and Natham R Viswanathan said they would abide by the decision of party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, those who were ousted closed ranks with Sengottaiyan.
Speaking to reporters in Theni, former CM O Panneerselvam (OPS) said Sengottaiyan had voiced people’s opinion and stressed that unity was crucial for AIADMK’s success in 2026 elections.
“In the past five years, AIADMK has faced continuous setbacks due to internal disunity. Anyone who works towards uniting the party is welcome. This is the only way we can revive the legacy and glory of former Chief Ministers M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa,” he said.
V K Sasikala, in a press release, said, “Only if all the expelled leaders unite, can we defeat the DMK. Sengottaiyan has once again proved that AIADMK is driven by grassroots-level cadre. “
OPS supporter R Vaithilingam said Sengottaiyan has strong support among AIADMK cadre and hence his call for unity will be welcomed by all.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran in Tirunelveli said, “Sengottaiyan trying to unite everyone is a good thing. If everyone is united, the DMK government can certainly be removed.”
DMK ally and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan appreciated the steps taken by Sengottaiyan to unite AIADMK. However, he said the senior leader had not fully opened up. “Sengottaiyan did not even name the individuals he wanted to bring back into the party. This hesitation suggests Sengottaiyan has not entirely opened up.”
Further, Thiruma said he was not aware who was backing Sengottaiyan’s efforts. “If the BJP or RSS is involved, it wouldn’t augur well for the party,” he added.