Chennai: Expelled AIADMK leader V. K. Sasikala on Thursday formally announced the name of her new political party—the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK) and unveiled its election symbol, a coconut tree farm (Thennathoppu).
The announcement comes after Sasikala unveiled her party flag, featuring C. N. Annadurai, MGR and J. Jayalalithaa on 24 February at a public meeting in Kamuthi. This marks her return to active politics after nearly a decade, less than two months before the Tamil Nadu polls.
Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam translates to ‘revolutionary leader’s people’s progressive alliance’.
Addressing supporters Friday, Sasikala referred to AIADMK founder M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), saying the party would function like a “joint family” and serve as a platform for the poor while standing against the DMK.
When asked if she would form an alliance, she said even their party symbol implies a collection and not just a single entity (farm of coconut trees). “We will unite as an alliance to do good for the people of Tamil Nadu and not stand individually or alone. There are parties who say that they don’t want to associate with senior leaders or influential individuals and would contest alone,” she said.
“But, we are not like that. We will contest with the support of loyalists who have supported us since the time of MGR and we will bring everyone together and contest the elections. An individual coconut tree does not become a farm,” said Sasikala, while speaking to reporters after the party launch.
V. K. Sasikala, was a former close confidante and aide of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, who was often called “Chinnamma” by her supporters and remained a key figure in the AIADMK for over two decades. Following Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, she was appointed interim general secretary of the party and even facilitated the appointment of Edappadi K. Palaniswami as chief minister.
However, internal power struggles led to her expulsion in 2017.
She was later convicted in a disproportionate assets case and spent time in prison. Later, her nephew T. T. V. Dhinakaran, floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) in her absence. Disqualified from contesting elections due to her conviction, Sasikala has positioned her new party as a revival of the original “Amma” legacy.
Speaking to reporters, she said the AIPTMMK will field candidates in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the upcoming assembly elections. However, with her party being launched so close to the elections, political analysts see limited influence in the upcoming elections.
While Sasikala retains loyalty from certain pockets, political observers remain sceptical about her ability to emerge as a major force. Sunilkumar V.M., a political science faculty member at a Chennai-based private university told ThePrint, “Sasikala does not have a lot of relevance in Tamil Nadu but has the support of Mukkulathor or Thevar community, which is a union of three related communities—Kallar, Maravar and Agamudayar. She has the support of a few communities including Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Theni, Madurai and Ramanathapuram.”
Stating that her experience is her biggest strength, he added that since she has worked with Jayalalithaa for more than 20-25 years, she still has the support of senior and retired bureaucrats.
“While there might not be a huge influence of Sasikala throughout the Tamil Nadu, she might fragment the support that exists for AIADMK. In earlier elections, we have seen that these communities are loyal to AIADMK, but with the lack of any Thevar leadership, those votes could have been divided. However, after Dhinakaran joined the NDA alliance, these communities would have voted for him, since he is Sasikala’s family member and Thevar community leader. With Sasikala being from the same community but in a different party now, these votes might go to her now.”
Indicating possible alliances, Sasikala said that any party with the same ideology was welcome to join her party.
On Sasikala’s recent meeting with PMK founder S. Ramadoss, Sunil added, “Ramadoss has significant support with Vanniyar community. If Sasikala is planning to form a third front along with him, she would get more votes and further influence NDA votes. He has the influence despite losing the party and symbol. It will help DMK because it would fragment votes that would instead go to AIADMK. The bureaucrats who worked with Jaya will also be supporting Sasikala.”
Analysts note that any alliance with the PMK could amplify Sasikala’s reach in northern districts, potentially splitting anti-DMK votes and indirectly benefiting the ruling DMK.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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