TTV Dhinakaran Mocks Aunt Sasikala's New Party as 'Instant Sambar' in Tamil Nadu Political Drama
In a sharp political rebuke, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran has mocked his aunt VK Sasikala's announcement of launching a new political party in Tamil Nadu, comparing the move to "instant sambar and instant idli." The comment came after Sasikala declared her return to active politics on February 24 during a public meeting in Kamuthi, Ramanathapuram district, held to mark the 78th birth anniversary of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
Dhinakaran's Scathing Comparison and Election Confidence
Reacting to Sasikala's announcement, Dhinakaran told reporters that many parties are emerging suddenly in the political landscape. "Many new parties are emerging like instant sambar and instant idli. Anyone can start a party in a democracy," he stated dismissively. He further asserted that the development would not impact the prospects of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Assembly elections expected in the first half of the year.
Speaking in Tirunelveli, as reported by news agency PTI, Dhinakaran emphasized that the true followers of Jayalalithaa, whom cadres affectionately refer to as "Amma," remain united. "All the true followers of Amma — the AMMK and AIADMK — are solidly together in facing the upcoming Assembly election. We will establish Amma's rule in the state," he declared confidently.
Sasikala's Political Comeback and Party Launch
Without naming Sasikala directly, Dhinakaran added that the "true colours" of those who claimed they would restore Amma's rule in Tamil Nadu have now been exposed. Meanwhile, Sasikala announced that Tamil Nadu would soon witness "a new political chapter" and declared her intention to launch a new Dravidian party, though the name remains undisclosed.
At the event, Sasikala unveiled a party flag featuring black, white, and red colors, adorned with images of former chief ministers CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran (MGR), and Jayalalithaa. She also targeted AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had expelled her from the party, and criticized former chief minister O Panneerselvam for his decision to rebel through a 'Dharma Yudham,' which she claimed created political instability and long-term issues.
Historical Context and Political Rivalries
Sasikala, a former close aide of Jayalalithaa, explained that her decision to float a new party was taken for the sake of Tamil Nadu, its people, and party cadres. She emphasized that the new outfit would follow the Dravidian movement and work for the poor and common people. Recalling the political developments after Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016, Sasikala stated that ministers and MLAs had urged her to become chief minister, but she chose not to accept the post, instead supporting Edappadi K Palaniswami as chief minister to ensure government stability.
She alleged that the same person she supported later expelled her from the AIADMK "like flinging a piece of paper." This expulsion is part of a broader historical context: Sasikala and Dhinakaran were expelled from the AIADMK in August 2017 during the internal power struggle following Jayalalithaa's death. Sasikala was later convicted in a disproportionate assets case, while Palaniswami consolidated control of the party and, in July 2022, removed Panneerselvam from the AIADMK.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for Assembly elections, this latest development adds another layer to the complex political dynamics in the state, with Dhinakaran's mocking remarks highlighting the deep-seated rivalries within the Dravidian political sphere.
