Sun Feb 15 06:09:44 UTC 2026: # Sasikala Strategizes for 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, Considers Reuniting Her Faction

The Story:
V.K. Sasikala, former aide to the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and former interim general secretary of the AIADMK, is actively strategizing her return to Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Despite currently holding no official position within the AIADMK, and being disqualified from contesting elections due to a prior conviction, Sasikala is engaging in consultations with her followers to determine the future direction of her political faction. The consultations aim to decide whether her group will participate in the upcoming elections, a decision she avoided in 2021.

Key Points:
* V.K. Sasikala is holding consultations with her followers to plan her strategy for the 2026 Assembly election.
* Sasikala is currently disqualified from contesting elections until early 2027 due to a corruption conviction from February 2017.
* Her followers are urging her to participate in the 2026 elections to mark their presence, claiming the AIADMK has strayed from the ideals of M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.
* AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has refused to accommodate Sasikala or former coordinator O. Panneerselvam in any alliance.
* Sasikala’s group is open to aligning with O. Panneerselvam and factions of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss.

Critical Analysis:

While the article does not reveal significant patterns or strategic depth in relation to the provided historical context snippets, the timing of Sasikala’s consultations coincides with ongoing political activity by Amit Shah related to the NDA government. It is possible that the NDA’s future prospects and the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu, including potential alliances, are influencing Sasikala’s strategic considerations.

Key Takeaways:
* Sasikala is attempting to leverage her influence in Tamil Nadu politics despite her disqualification and lack of formal position.
* Internal divisions within the AIADMK, and the exclusion of key figures like Sasikala and Panneerselvam, continue to shape the political landscape.
* Sasikala’s decision to participate in the 2026 elections could significantly impact the AIADMK’s prospects, potentially fragmenting the vote.
* Her consultations suggest a willingness to form alliances, potentially reshaping the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu.
* The upcoming birth anniversary of Jayalalithaa on February 24, 2026 appears to be a self-imposed deadline for Sasikala to make a decision.

Impact Analysis:

Sasikala’s potential re-entry into the political arena could have a significant impact on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. If she decides to contest, even without personally running, it could split the AIADMK vote and benefit rival parties, particularly the DMK. The formation of any new alliance involving Sasikala and Panneerselvam would further complicate the political landscape and force existing parties to reassess their strategies. Her actions could reshape the power dynamics within Tamil Nadu politics for the foreseeable future.

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