CHENNAI: KA Sengottaiyan is poised to take on his 10th term as MLA, his ninth time from Gobichettipalayam constituency. A seasoned politician and nine-time MLA, Sengottaiyan had previously represented the AIADMK eight times from Gobichettipalayam and once from Sathyamangalam in 1977.

His switch to the TVK followed differences with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Now, as a TVK senior, Sengottaiyan defeated DMK’s N Nallasivam by 82,612 votes, with a 16,620 majority. “This victory reflects Vijay’s sacrifices and perseverance. The people have voted for change and good governance. Under his leadership, Tamil Nadu has the potential to emerge as a model for the rest of India,” he said.