VK Sasikala launches new political party: All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Expelled AIADMK leader and former aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, V.K. Sasikala, on Thursday announced the name of her new political party: All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam. She also unveiled the party's official symbol, a coconut tree farm.

During the announcement, Sasikala paid tribute to the late M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), founder of the AIADMK. She highlighted that MGR established the party to serve the people and counter the DMK, stressing its focus on championing the cause of the poor.

"As I already told you. MGR started party for people. The reason for that is to be against DMK. MGR's party started for poors. Always single tree will not become a farm. We have come as a farm with our party cadres and people," Sasikala said.

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Earlier, Sasikala had hinted at launching a new Dravidian party while unveiling the party flag on the occasion of Jayalalithaa's 78th birth anniversary.

Addressing a public gathering in Ramanathapuram, she criticised AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), accusing him of betrayal and asserting that the party had declined under his leadership.

"If I continue to remain silent as I have for the past nine years, it would amount to a betrayal of the people of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, for the sake of the people of Tamil Nadu and our party cadres, we are going to launch a new party. For the people of Tamil Nadu and for our cadres, we are going to usher in a new era. We are starting a new party, a new Dravidian party that will follow the path of Perarignar Anna, Puratchi Thalaivar MGR, and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. It will function as a party for the poor and common people and will uproot enemies and traitors," she said.

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Sasikala also introduced her party flag, featuring black, white, and red colours along with images of Perarignar Anna, MGR, and Jayalalithaa.

"For now, I am only introducing the party flag. I have not yet announced the party's name. I will announce it soon. There will be no change in this decision," she added.

This move marks Sasikala’s formal entry into Tamil Nadu politics after being expelled from the AIADMK following her conviction in the disproportionate assets case.