Chennai: Fresh signs of strain appear to be surfacing within the fledgling political outfit built around actor-turned-politician Vijay, after senior leader K. A. Sengottaiyan was reportedly sidelined during a recent organisational meeting in Chennai.

Sources familiar with the developments said the veteran leader, who commands influence across the Kongu belt of western Tamil Nadu, felt slighted during a party workers’ meeting held in parts of the city, including Perambur. The interaction, intended to strengthen organisational structures ahead of future electoral battles, instead revealed emerging frictions within the leadership.

Those present at the meeting said Sengottaiyan was given limited space during the proceedings despite his seniority and long experience in electoral politics. Supporters from the Kongu region have since voiced concern, claiming that leaders close to Vijay failed to extend the courtesies normally accorded to a senior political figure on public platforms.

A functionary from the region said the episode has caused unease among cadres. According to him, several workers felt that the veteran leader had been treated without the respect his political standing commands.

Candidate selection sparks internal unease

Differences have also surfaced over the selection of potential candidates in the Kongu belt. Sengottaiyan, who has been conducting booth-level organisational meetings in the region, is understood to have submitted a list of names to the party leadership.

Sources say the leadership has yet to take a call on most of the recommendations.

At the same time, other leaders within the organisation — including Bussy Anand, John Arokiasamy and Aadhav Arjuna — are believed to have forwarded separate lists of potential nominees to Vijay. The parallel submissions have triggered what insiders describe as a quiet tussle over influence in the candidate selection process.

Leaders close to Sengottaiyan say the veteran is particularly disappointed that he has not been able to secure organisational roles for many of the supporters who joined the party along with him.

Against this backdrop, associates say Sengottaiyan has begun weighing his political options.

According to those familiar with the discussions, the veteran leader is unlikely to take any immediate step. The thinking among his close circle is that he may continue within the party for now and review his position after the next electoral contest.

In the meantime, informal feelers are believed to have been conveyed to the camp of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin through intermediaries.

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leadership has not publicly responded to the developments.

Party insiders point out that the DMK had earlier made attempts to bring Sengottaiyan into its fold before he associated himself with Vijay’s political venture. Those efforts did not succeed then, and the veteran chose to join the new political formation.

Whether the ruling party would now reconsider that possibility remains unclear.

For Vijay’s camp, the episode highlights the challenges of balancing the ambitions of seasoned politicians and new entrants as the organisation continues to take shape ahead of the electoral season.