From Panchayat leader to senior minister: The political journey of KA Sengottaiyan

CHENNAI: From his early years as a leader of the Kullapalayam Panchayat in Coimbatore in the 1970s, KA Sengottaiyan has built a remarkable five-decade-long career in Tamil Nadu politics.His rise from a grassroots party worker to a 10-time legislator reflects his enduring political influence and longevity.Born in 1948, K A Sengottaiyan began his political rise at the age of 29. His dedicated grassroots work helped him win his first Assembly election from the Sathyamangalam constituency in 1977, the same year the AIADMK came to power under its iconic founder M G Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR.Following MGR’s death, Sengottaiyan became a loyal supporter of J Jayalalithaa. During various AIADMK governments, he handled several important portfolios, including the Revenue Department.Sengottaiyan continued to wield significant influence during the administration of Edappadi K Palaniswami, serving as the school education minister. During his tenure, he was credited with introducing several ambitious reforms in the education sector.He was expelled from the AIADMK in November 2025 following a series of public disagreements with Palaniswami. Soon after, he joined the Vijay-led TVK, where his vast political experience became a key asset to the party.In the April 23 Assembly elections, Sengottaiyan defeated DMK candidate N Nallasivam by a margin of 16,620 votes, securing 82,612 votes.(With agency inputs)