AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami received a vibrant and extensive welcome from party members in Gobichettipalayam on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025. This area holds significant political importance as the traditional base of former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, often referred to as a rebel leader. Mr. Palaniswami was traveling through the region on his way to the Nilgiris, where he was scheduled to commence his significant “Makkalai Kaappom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom” (We Will Protect the People, We Will Redeem Tamil Nadu) campaign.
This particular visit marked his inaugural trip to the constituency since the high-profile removal of Mr. Sengottaiyan from his influential party positions. Mr. Sengottaiyan, who currently serves as the Gobichettipalayam MLA, had been stripped of his roles as organisation secretary and secretary of the Erode Suburban (West) district unit of the party. His ouster on September 5 followed an ultimatum he issued to the AIADMK leadership, demanding immediate steps to facilitate the re-entry of members who had previously left the party.
Notably, during Mr. Palaniswami’s earlier visit on July 7, when he embarked on his statewide campaign from Mettupalayam, Mr. Sengottaiyan, who at the time served as the district unit secretary, conspicuously abstained from organizing a reception. This absence was widely perceived as a silent protest against the party leadership, though he made no public statements to that effect.
Upon his arrival in Gobichettipalayam at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Mr. Palaniswami was warmly greeted by prominent party figures, including former Minister K.C. Karuppannan, Perundurai MLA S. Jayakumar, and the newly instated district secretary, A.K. Selvaraj. Notably, Mr. Sengottaiyan was not present at the reception, as he was reportedly in Chennai at the time.
A substantial gathering of over 2,000 enthusiastic supporters congregated near the bus stand, eager to welcome their leader. Following the reception, Mr. Palaniswami continued his journey to Sathyamangalam, where he was met by Bhavanisagar MLA A. Bannari, before finally departing for the Nilgiris to proceed with his campaign activities.