Sengottaiyan’s Surprise Delhi Meeting with Amit Shah Sparks Political Speculation

In a dramatic turn of events, former AIADMK minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who initially claimed he was traveling to Haridwar for spiritual solace, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi on September 8, 2025. This unexpected meeting has ignited widespread speculation about the political motives behind Sengottaiyan’s trip, especially given his recent fallout with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). The rendezvous comes at a time of heightened tensions within the AIADMK, with Sengottaiyan’s supporters rallying behind him and notable figures like O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and TTV Dhinakaran extending their backing.

Background of the AIADMK Internal Conflict

The AIADMK has been grappling with internal discord, particularly between Sengottaiyan and EPS. Sengottaiyan, a senior leader from Erode and a former contender for the chief ministerial post following J. Jayalalithaa’s demise in 2017, recently issued a 10-day ultimatum to EPS, urging him to reintegrate expelled leaders into the party to foster unity. This call for reconciliation was met with swift retaliation from EPS, who stripped Sengottaiyan of his key party positions, including organizing secretary and district secretary, the very next day.

The decision to remove Sengottaiyan sparked a wave of protests from his supporters, with around a thousand party members resigning in solidarity. The unrest within the AIADMK has been further amplified by the support extended to Sengottaiyan by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS), AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala, all of whom have their own factions and histories of discord with the party’s current leadership. This internal strife has raised questions about the AIADMK’s stability as it approaches the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Sengottaiyan’s Delhi Trip: A Covert Agenda?

Sengottaiyan’s sudden trip to Delhi from Coimbatore airport on September 8, 2025, was initially shrouded in mystery. Speaking to reporters at the airport, he firmly denied rumors of a meeting with BJP leaders, insisting that his destination was Haridwar, where he sought peace of mind through a visit to the Ram temple. His statements were carefully worded, emphasizing spiritual motives and downplaying any political intentions. When questioned about meeting high-profile figures like Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sengottaiyan quipped, “This Ram is in child stature in Kamba Ramayanam,” deflecting speculation with a cultural reference.

However, reports later confirmed that Sengottaiyan did, in fact, meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi. This revelation has fueled speculation about a possible strategic alignment between Sengottaiyan and the BJP, particularly as the latter seeks to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 elections. The meeting has raised eyebrows, especially since EPS was reportedly unaware of Sengottaiyan’s plans, further highlighting the deepening rift within the AIADMK.

Political Implications of the Meeting

The meeting between Sengottaiyan and Amit Shah has sparked intense speculation about the BJP’s strategy in Tamil Nadu. Political analysts suggest that the BJP may be exploring ways to capitalize on the AIADMK’s internal divisions to forge a new alliance or influence the party’s leadership dynamics. The timing of the meeting is significant, as it follows EPS’s own discussions with Shah earlier in 2025, which reportedly did not yield the desired outcome for the BJP. Some sources indicate that the BJP could be considering a “Shiv Sena/NCP-style operation,” where dissenting leaders like Sengottaiyan are leveraged to challenge the current leadership or even claim the AIADMK’s election symbol.

Sengottaiyan’s dissatisfaction with EPS stems from several issues, including the latter’s handling of party appointments in Erode, Sengottaiyan’s stronghold. His absence from key AIADMK events, such as a felicitation function for EPS in February 2025, was a public display of his discontent, attributed to the omission of images of party icons M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa from event materials. These tensions, combined with his meeting with Shah, suggest that Sengottaiyan may be exploring alternative political alignments or seeking leverage to negotiate within the AIADMK.

Support from OPS, TTV Dhinakaran, and Sasikala

Sengottaiyan’s cause has gained traction with the backing of prominent AIADMK dissidents. O. Panneerselvam, who leads the AIADMK Workers’ Rights Retrieval Committee, and TTV Dhinakaran, head of the AMMK, have both expressed support for Sengottaiyan’s push for party unity. V.K. Sasikala, another influential figure with a complex history in the AIADMK, has also lent her support, adding to the pressure on EPS. These alliances highlight the fragmented state of the AIADMK, with multiple factions vying for influence as the party navigates its post-Jayalalithaa era.

The support from these leaders suggests that Sengottaiyan’s meeting with Shah could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate opposition against EPS’s leadership. Whether this will lead to a formal split in the AIADMK or a realignment with the BJP-led NDA remains uncertain, but the developments have undoubtedly shaken the party’s rank and file.

BJP’s Growing Interest in Tamil Nadu

The BJP has been actively working to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu, a state where it has historically struggled to gain significant electoral ground. Amit Shah, known for his strategic acumen, has been vocal about the BJP-led NDA’s ambitions to form the government in Tamil Nadu in 2026. His meetings with AIADMK leaders, including EPS and Sengottaiyan, are seen as part of a calculated effort to forge alliances or exploit internal divisions within the Dravidian party. The BJP’s interest in Tamil Nadu is further underscored by the presence of state BJP chief K. Annamalai and MLA Nainar Nagendran in Delhi during the same period as Sengottaiyan’s visit.

The BJP’s overtures come at a time when the AIADMK is grappling with its identity and leadership challenges. The party’s decision to exit the NDA in September 2023 has not quelled speculation about a potential reunion, especially as the BJP seeks to counter the ruling DMK’s dominance in the state. Shah’s interactions with AIADMK leaders suggest that the BJP is keeping its options open, possibly backing Sengottaiyan as a counterweight to EPS or exploring a broader coalition with dissident factions.

What Lies Ahead for the AIADMK?

The AIADMK is at a critical juncture, with internal divisions threatening its cohesion ahead of the 2026 elections. Sengottaiyan’s meeting with Amit Shah has intensified speculation about a possible split or realignment within the party. While EPS has downplayed the significance of the meeting, claiming ignorance of Sengottaiyan’s Delhi visit, the incident has exposed the fragility of his leadership. The AIADMK’s rank and file are reportedly perplexed, with many questioning whether the party can maintain its unity in the face of such high-stakes maneuvering.

For Sengottaiyan, the meeting with Shah represents a bold move to assert his influence within the AIADMK or potentially carve out a new political path. His emphasis on party unity, coupled with his outreach to the BJP, suggests a strategic play to either pressure EPS into making concessions or explore alternative alliances. As Tamil Nadu’s political landscape heats up, all eyes are on how these developments will shape the AIADMK’s future and its relationship with the BJP.