Overview
- AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed Sengottaiyan from primary membership for associating with expelled leaders and instructed cadres to avoid any contact with him.
- The expulsion followed Sengottaiyan’s joint homage at the Pasumpon Thevar memorial with O. Panneerselvam and T. T. V. Dhinakaran in a choreographed display of unity.
- O. Panneerselvam and T. T. V. Dhinakaran framed their regrouping as an effort to restore the MGR–Jayalalithaa legacy with plans to work toward the 2026 Assembly election.
- Sengottaiyan told reporters he would consult advocates and move court against the decision, calling the expulsion a violation of party rules.
- Palaniswami labeled the trio as acting like the DMK’s “B team” and, according to multiple reports, signaled he will not accommodate expelled figures despite outside pressure for reunification.