Sasikala's Political Comeback: New Party Name to Be Unveiled Within Seven Days
Expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala declared on Thursday that the official name of her proposed political party will be announced within the next week. She confidently asserted that this new outfit is poised to play a decisive and influential role in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, signaling a significant shift in the state's political landscape.
Ending a Nine-Year Hiatus with Symbolic Flag Unveiling
This crucial announcement comes merely two days after Sasikala, the former close confidante of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, formally concluded her nine-year political hiatus. She marked her return by unveiling a distinctive new party flag during a public meeting at Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district. The event was strategically timed to coincide with Jayalalithaa's 78th birth anniversary, as reported by the news agency PTI.
"The name of her party will be revealed within a week. We are holding talks regarding an alliance, and it will culminate in a good decision," Sasikala informed reporters at the Chennai airport. When questioned about the limited timeframe available to establish a robust party apparatus before the state heads to polls in just a few months, she remained unfazed. "The people of Tamil Nadu know me well and there would be no difficulty in reaching the electorate," she stated, highlighting her longstanding connection with the masses.
Symbolism and Strategy in the New Party Flag
The newly displayed party flag, showcased during the Ramanathapuram event, carries deep symbolic weight. It features horizontal stripes in black, white, and red, prominently embossed with the portraits of revered Dravidian icons:
- C N Annadurai
- M G Ramachandran
- J Jayalalithaa
This design consciously links Sasikala's new venture to the rich legacy of Dravidian politics, aiming to evoke historical continuity and emotional resonance among Tamil Nadu voters.
From Expulsion to Independent Political Venture
Sasikala, who was expelled from the AIADMK in 2017 following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case, initially sought to reclaim control of the parent party. However, after facing consistent rebuffs and opposition from the current leadership led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, she has strategically chosen to launch her own political outfit. This move positions her to directly challenge both the ruling DMK and her former party, the AIADMK.
"I remained silent all these years hoping for unity, but the present circumstances have forced me to take this decision. Staying inactive now would be a betrayal to the party cadres and the people of Tamil Nadu," she explained. Sasikala also launched a scathing attack on Palaniswami, accusing him of betraying her after she elevated him to the Chief Minister's post in 2017.
Legal Hurdles and Electoral Participation
Despite being legally barred from contesting elections until 2027 due to the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, Sasikala clarified that her party will actively participate in the 2026 democratic process. Her party plans to field candidates across constituencies, ensuring her influence is felt even if she cannot personally stand for election. This approach underscores her determination to remain a key player in Tamil Nadu politics, leveraging her organizational skills and loyal support base to shape electoral outcomes.
The upcoming week's announcement of the party name is eagerly awaited, as it will set the stage for a potentially dramatic realignment in Tamil Nadu's political arena ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
