Coimbatore, May 25, 2026 — Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, previously a prominent figure in the AIADMK, has recently addressed rumors concerning his health. Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore Airport on Monday, May 25, 2026, Sengottaiyan stated his health is "stable" and that he was returning to Chennai to resume official duties. He clarified that his brief absence was due to a "routine medical examination," a practice he maintains twice a year after periods of "continuous work." Doctors, he added, had confirmed "all test results were normal."
The minister also briefly touched upon a separate matter, the murder of a girl in Sulur, noting that the Inspector General of Police had provided an explanation and that the Chief Minister had directed "immediate action."
Political Realignment and Departure from AIADMK
The recent statements on health follow a significant political upheaval for Sengottaiyan. In November 2025, he resigned as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Gobichettipalayam constituency. This move came after his expulsion from the AIADMK, a decision he attributed to disagreements with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The party cited "anti-party activity" as the reason for his removal, stemming from his alleged contact with individuals previously removed from the party. Sengottaiyan had publicly voiced his pain over the expulsion, even threatening legal action over what he considered a violation of party procedures.
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"I have been removed from my basic cadre post. I am in pain."
Joining Actor Vijay's TVK Party
Following his resignation and expulsion, Sengottaiyan publicly aligned himself with Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He met with TVK president Vijay for an extended period, with sources indicating that a considerable number of his supporters from his native Erode district were expected to join the TVK along with him. This switch marks a notable gain for TVK, which has been attracting other political figures.
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"Good news can be expected soon."
This political maneuver by Sengottaiyan, a veteran with nearly five decades in politics and a former close associate of the late J. Jayalalithaa, has been described by some observers as unusually swift, occurring within months of friction with the AIADMK leadership. While speculation had also pointed towards a potential alliance with the DMK, Sengottaiyan ultimately opted for TVK.
Ministerial Changes
Separately, in a cabinet reshuffle that occurred five days prior to today's date (around May 21, 2026), Sengottaiyan was shifted out of the Finance Ministry. The cabinet expansion saw V. Sampath Kumar assigned Backward Classes Welfare, Vinoth taking over Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, R.V. Ranjithkumar appointed to Forests, Srinath allocated Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, and K. Thennarasu assigned Non-Resident Tamils Welfare.
