Wed Feb 25 11:24:32 UTC 2026: ### AIADMK Faces Existential Crisis as Sasikala Launches New Party, Further Fragmenting Opposition in Tamil Nadu

The Story:
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is facing a critical juncture as V.K. Sasikala, former aide to J. Jayalalithaa, launches her own political party. This move further splinters the already divided opposition ranks within Tamil Nadu. Sasikala, in her launch event on February 24, 2026, criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for betraying her after she helped him become Chief Minister in February 2017. Meanwhile, O. Panneerselvam, another expelled AIADMK leader, expressed frustration at being excluded from the party. This fragmentation threatens the AIADMK’s support base in the upcoming elections.

Key Points:

  • V.K. Sasikala launched a new party on February 24, 2026, near Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district.
  • Sasikala criticized Edappadi K. Palaniswami for turning against her after she helped him become Chief Minister in 2017.
  • O. Panneerselvam expressed frustration at being excluded from the AIADMK.
  • The AIADMK has formed an alliance with T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) for the 2026 Assembly polls.
  • In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the AIADMK forfeited its deposit in seven constituencies, with particularly poor performance in southern Tamil Nadu.

Critical Analysis:
Sasikala’s choice of Ramanathapuram, near the memorial of U. Muturamalinga Thevar, suggests an attempt to appeal to the Mukkulathor community, to which she belongs, although she does not overtly present herself as a community leader. The AMMK’s alliance with the AIADMK, despite past animosity, highlights the shifting political landscape and the desperation of the AIADMK to consolidate its support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AIADMK is experiencing significant internal strife and fragmentation.
  • Sasikala’s new party poses a threat to the AIADMK’s electoral prospects, especially in southern Tamil Nadu.
  • The alliance with the AMMK indicates a strategic shift by the AIADMK to strengthen its position.
  • The AIADMK’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections underscores its vulnerability.
  • The future of the AIADMK depends on its ability to reconcile internal divisions and consolidate its support base.

Impact Analysis:
The fragmentation of the AIADMK could have significant long-term implications for Tamil Nadu politics. It may weaken the Dravidian major’s ability to challenge the DMK, potentially leading to a period of DMK dominance. The rise of smaller parties, like Sasikala’s new entity and the AMMK, could also reshape the political landscape, leading to more coalition-based governance in the future. The AIADMK’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will determine its survival and relevance in Tamil Nadu politics.

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