Sengottaiyan and O. Panneerselvam trade barbs over political switch, leaders’ photographs in shirt pockets
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan engaged in a light-hearted debate in the State Assembly regarding their political party defections. The discussion centered on their shifting allegiances and the symbolic photographs of political leaders they carry in their shirt pockets.
Why it matters
This highlights the fluid nature of political alliances in Tamil Nadu and the symbolic importance of political iconography in regional governance.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who had both defected from the AIADMK and joined the DMK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), respectively, exchanged light-hearted remarks in the State Assembly over their “change of places” and the photographs of their respective leaders kept in their shirt pockets.
Participating in the debate on the Revised and Agriculture Budgets on Tuesday (August 11, 2026), Mr. Panneerselvam said the people of Tamil Nadu were disappointed, as the TVK government had not implemented even its electoral promises as pilot projects.
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