AIADMK Leader Explains Absence at EPS Event Due to Missing Images of MGR and Jayalalithaa
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan clarified his absence from a felicitation event for Edappadi K. Palaniswami, citing the lack of MGR and Jayalalithaa's images on the event materials. He emphasized that his decision was based on principle rather than politics, reaffirming his respect for AIADMK's legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Sengottaiyan did not attend EPS's felicitation due to absent images of MGR and Jayalalithaa.
- His absence sparked rumors of party discord, prompting a public clarification.
- He has been a member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly since 1980.
- Sengottaiyan has held multiple ministerial positions within AIADMK.
- His stance is rooted in honoring the party's legacy leaders.
Chennai, Feb 10 (NationPress) Former AIADMK Minister and current Gobichettipalayam MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan has refuted claims suggesting that he abstained from a felicitation event honoring former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) for the launch of the Avinashi–Athikadavu project in Annur, Coimbatore district, on February 9, 2025.
Speaking to the press in Gobichettipalayam on Monday, February 10, Sengottaiyan explained that he “decided not to attend” because the invitations and event banners lacked images of former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa.
The gathering was organized by farmers’ associations allied with AIADMK. However, Sengottaiyan's absence sparked rumors of discord within the party, leading him to clarify his position.
Sengottaiyan indicated that members of the organizing team reached out to him just three days before the event. He expressed his dissatisfaction over the omission of the images of MGR and Jayalalithaa—two leaders who significantly influenced his political journey.
“If I had been consulted sooner, I would have raised this issue. I only noticed their absence when the banners were unveiled,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Jayalalithaa’s impact, he recalled that in 2011, as Chief Minister, she allocated ₹3.72 crore for the project, with directives for the survey issued by the former Public Works Department Minister K.V. Ramalingam.
“She was instrumental in laying the foundation for this project, yet her image was absent from the event materials,” Sengottaiyan emphasized.
Sengottaiyan, previously viewed as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate following Jayalalithaa’s demise, has minimized any insinuations of internal conflict within AIADMK.
He affirmed that his decision stemmed from principle rather than political motivations.
A seasoned politician, Sengottaiyan has represented Gobichettipalayam in the Tamil Nadu Assembly since 1980, having initially won from Sathyamangalam in 1977.
He has held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Transport (1991–1996), Minister for Agriculture (until November 2011), and later as Minister for Information Technology after a cabinet reshuffle.
Additionally, he served as AIADMK headquarters secretary (2006–2012) and was Minister for School Education under EPS.
Despite the controversy over his absence, Sengottaiyan remains steadfast, asserting that his position was solely a matter of honoring AIADMK’s legacy leaders.
