Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan claims 15 more functionaries may quit AIADMK

Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.A. Sengottaiyan on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) claimed that 15 more persons were likely to leave the AIADMK soon, adding those planning to quit the party had held a meeting to discuss the issue on Monday (October 12).

“It is a good thing that Edappadi K. Palaniswami expelled me from the AIADMK. Had I not left the party, I would still be sitting in the Opposition benches. Look where I am now,” he said, referring to his position as Revenue Minister. “The AIADMK has become a story of an elephant shrinking to the size of an ant,” he said, referring to the party’s present political position. He reiterated his claim that 15 more persons would leave the AIADMK soon.

Referring to the byelection to the Dharapuram Assembly constituency, Mr. Sengottaiyan said it was not an ordinary constituency. He recalled that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay had undertaken an election campaign tour and said he had told Mr. Vijay then that his visit alone would be enough to secure victory. “People want a well-organised and clean administration,” he said.

The Minister earlier inaugurated a fair price shop upgraded from a part-time to a full-time outlet at Semmandampalayam near Gobichettipalayam.

Referring to warnings of possible flooding during the Northeast monsoon in the context of a “super El Nino”, he said the government had a responsibility to address such challenges. Praising Mr. Vijay, he said the leader treated everyone with warmth and brotherly affection. He added that he had not seen anyone like him after former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa.

Mr. Sengottaiyan urged officials to ensure people received their legitimate entitlements. He asked the public to submit applications online and said that if no response was received within 15 days, the officials concerned would be questioned. Officials should provide a written response stating whether a request could be fulfilled. If a request was rejected, the matter should immediately be brought to his notice, he said.