In politics, subtle gestures and murmured giveaways often reveal the real state of play. A recent instance was KA Sengottaiyan’s demeanour after his switch to Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). During a press conference, TVK leader Aadhava Arjun placed a party shawl over Sengottaiyan’s shoulders to symbolise his official induction into the TVK. However, Sengottaiyan coldly removed the shawl, and questions from the press highlighted that he still carried a picture of AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa in his shirt pocket, a typical feature of AIADMK leaders’ attire.

Sengottaiyan’s gesture of rejecting the TVK shawl suggests a strategy to keep alive and leverage his AIADMK connection. Despite being a seasoned lawmaker, an organisational man, and a known strength in the state, his AIADMK link sign

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