Sat Sep 06 16:42:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article reports on internal strife within the AIADMK party in Tamil Nadu, India. V. Pugazhendhi, a member of the AIADMK Coordination Committee, publicly criticized party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for removing K.A. Sengottaiyan, a senior leader and former minister, from his organizational posts. Pugazhendhi argued that Sengottaiyan was wrongly sidelined despite his contributions to the party and called for unity among disgruntled leaders like V.K. Sasikala and O. Panneerselvam to restore the party’s original strength. He also accused Palaniswami of wasteful spending and predicted his leadership would be rejected.

**News Article:**

**AIADMK Factionalism Flares as Leader Criticizes Palaniswami for Sidelining Senior Figure**

**ERODE, Tamil Nadu – September 6, 2025** – Open dissent has erupted within the AIADMK party as V. Pugazhendhi, a member of the AIADMK Coordination Committee, launched a scathing attack on party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The criticism centers on Palaniswami’s decision to remove senior leader and former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan from key organizational positions.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Sengottaiyan at his residence in Gobichettipalayam, Pugazhendhi, a staunch supporter of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, condemned Palaniswami’s actions, stating that Sengottaiyan, a veteran leader, had been unfairly marginalized despite his long service and emphasis on party unity.

“He [Sengottaiyan] has only insisted on party unity. Yet, such a leader has been sidelined,” Pugazhendhi asserted.

Pugazhendhi further accused Palaniswami of overstepping his authority by disregarding the resolution that declared Jayalalithaa the party’s permanent general secretary. He also alleged widespread dissatisfaction among former ministers with Palaniswami’s leadership style.

The dissenting leader called for unity among prominent figures currently outside the party’s inner circle, including V.K. Sasikala and O. Panneerselvam, suggesting their combined strength could revitalize the AIADMK. He also took aim at Palaniswami’s alleged excessive spending on party meetings, contrasting it with Sengottaiyan’s ability to draw crowds without lavish expenditure.

Pugazhendhi expressed confidence that public opinion and ongoing court battles would ultimately undermine Palaniswami’s leadership. This latest development underscores the deep-seated factionalism within the AIADMK and raises questions about the party’s future direction.

Read More