CHENNAI: Veteran politician and former minister K A Sengottaiyan on Tuesday categorically dismissed reports claiming that he was being sidelined within the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and was planning to defect to the ruling DMK, terming them baseless rumours and fake news.
Refuting the speculation, Sengottaiyan reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to TVK president Vijay and the party’s political course. “I come from the ideological tradition of Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. At a time of trial, it was Thalapathy who stood by me, guided me and enabled me to carve a place for myself in politics. He will always have an irreplaceable place in my heart,” he said in a statement.
Expressing confidence in Vijay’s leadership, Sengottaiyan said the entire party leadership and cadre were united in their resolve to see him assume office as Chief Minister in 2026. “We are all working together, with the strength of the people, to seat him on the throne of governance. His sacrifice and compassion are beyond comparison. He lives in the hearts of the people. Our lives and Tamil Nadu’s future will unfold under his leadership,” he said.
Taking strong exception to the reports, Sengottaiyan said the publication of untrue and misleading information was deeply distressing. “Factually incorrect reports appearing in newspapers are painful. Claiming neutrality while publishing such falsehoods is not in keeping with journalistic ethics. I strongly condemn this,” he added.
It may be noted that a section of media had reported that Sengottaiyan, the chief coordinator of TVK’s administrative committee, was being sidelined within the party by leaders N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Vijay’s advisor John Arockiyasamy, and that he was upset over their conduct and was considering switching allegiance to the DMK.