Sasikala Move Signals Four-Way TN Battle

Expelled V. K. Sasikala has announced that she will float a new political party just two months before the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.

Speaking on February 24 at a function commemorating the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Sasikala declared that Tamil Nadu is set to enter a “new political chapter.” Addressing supporters in Ramanathapuram, she said the proposed party would prioritise the welfare of the poor and marginalised, guided by the principles of Dravidian stalwarts C. N. Annadurai, M. G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa.

She said the name of the party would be announced soon and asserted that its ideology remains unchanged. “It will be a party that defeats both opponents and traitors,” she stated.

Highlighting her political journey, Sasikala said she has spent 39 years in public life and waited nine years for this moment. She described the flag as a symbol of hope for the underprivileged and grassroots workers across the state.

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New party of Sasikala may upset DMK–AIADMK dominance before polls

With Assembly elections slated for April–May, her entry could convert the contest into a four-cornered fight. Actor-politician Vijay launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, challenging dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in state politics.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leads the Secular Progressive Alliance, strengthened by Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, founded by Vijayakanth. Meanwhile, the AIADMK is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and has aligned with the BJP.

Launching a sharp attack on both the DMK and AIADMK, Sasikala ruled out aligning with either bloc. She described the DMK as an “evil force” and pledged to remove it from power. She also targeted AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, claiming she had elevated him to the Chief Minister’s post after Jayalalithaa’s death to ensure stability. “The same person removed me from the party like a discarded piece of paper. I do not show my anger; I learnt that from Thalaivar (MGR),” she said.

New party bid could reshape Tamil Nadu’s poll dynamics

A prominent figure from the Thevar community, Sasikala served a prison term in Bengaluru from 2017 to 2021 after being convicted in a disproportionate assets case. She remains barred from contesting elections until 2027. During her incarceration, Palaniswami expelled her from the AIADMK after reconciling with O. Panneerselvam, who had rebelled following Jayalalithaa’s death.

While neither the DMK nor the AIADMK has officially reacted to her announcement, AIADMK Deputy Secretary for Propaganda Gautami Tadimalla said the move could influence the election outcome depending on Sasikala’s strategy, but expressed confidence that the AIADMK-led NDA would secure a decisive victory.

Another AIADMK leader, Abhishek, alleged that the DMK was backing Sasikala’s new political venture to weaken the AIADMK ahead of the polls, accusing her and O. Panneerselvam of undermining Palaniswami’s leadership.

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