Chennai (PTI): Expelled AIADMK leader K A Sengottaiyan and his supporters joined actor-politician Vijay-led TVK here on Thursday.

The former minister and senior politician who was hailed as MGR loyalist, arrived in the TVK headquarters at Panaiyur here, and joined the fledgling party in the presence of Vijay along with several supporters, including former AIADMK MP V Sathyabama.

The 77-year-old Sengottaiyan, who is rarely seen sporting a shawl, was presented with a yellow-red TVK shawl by Vijay.

TVK insiders feel that his presence in the party would help to strengthen TVK in the Kongu region, especially eight assembly constituencies in Erode district from where he hails.

The nine-time legislator had resigned from the post of Gobichettipalayam MLA on November 26. He is the second AIADMK MLA after O Panneerselvam supporter P H Manoj Pandian to resign. Manoj Pandian joined the ruling DMK.

He was expelled from the AIADMK by its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on October 31 after he met and interacted with the expelled leaders O Panneerselvam, T T V Dhinakaran, and the latter’s aunt V K Sasikala in Ramanathapuram, seeking their re-induction into the AIADMK. On November 7, 14 supporters of Sengottaiyan including former MP V Sathyabama, too, were removed from the AIADMK.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.