Is AIADMK's Democratic Integrity Being Questioned by MLA Sengottaiyan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sengottaiyan questions AIADMK's democratic practices.
- His removal has led to further internal conflict.
- Support from various political figures indicates broader concerns.
- Unity within the party is deemed crucial for electoral success.
- Internal strife could weaken AIADMK's public image.
Chennai, Sep 6 (NationPress) In a significant twist of internal conflict, prominent AIADMK figure and Gobichettipalayam MLA, K.A. Sengottaiyan, openly criticized the party leadership on Saturday after being divested of his organizational roles, raising doubts about the authenticity of democratic practices within the party.
Sengottaiyan, a seasoned politician with nine legislative terms and a former Minister, was ousted from his positions as organization secretary and Erode Suburban (West) district unit secretary.
In a retaliatory move, the AIADMK high command dismissed seven of Sengottaiyan's supporters from district-level positions in response to his demand that the leadership should reinstate former officials and leaders within ten days to strengthen the party.
Speaking to the media in Gobichettipalayam following the announcement, Sengottaiyan stated he merely echoed the sentiments of the party cadre and the public.
“Only a united AIADMK can reclaim power. I expressed my views yesterday, and today I find myself relieved of my posts,” he commented.
Without directly naming AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, he remarked that true democracy within a party entails seeking clarification before taking disciplinary actions.
“He has previously stated that everyone is free to share their opinions. Why was I not afforded the same opportunity?” he queried.
When asked if Palaniswami was behind his dismissal, Sengottaiyan replied, “Cannot say now.”
Regarding whether he had raised his concerns during a general body meeting, he retorted, “When was it called?”
He insisted that his appeals aligned with popular sentiment, recalling that even expelled leaders had sought unconditional re-entry.
He further emphasized that his position was supported by numerous political figures, including T.T.V. Dhinakaran, BJP's H. Raja, and DMDK's Premalatha Vijayakant.
“This is not a quest for personal gain; it concerns the party's future,” he stated, adding that time would reveal whether he had sought advice from senior colleagues before going public.
Affirming that his removal would not dissuade him, Sengottaiyan pledged to persist in advocating for unity and inclusiveness within the AIADMK, asserting that his chosen path resonated with the aspirations of both the cadre and the public.