V.K. Sasikala Announces New Party and Symbol

In Chennai on March 13, 2026, V.K. Sasikala, the expelled leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and former close aide to the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, officially announced the name and election symbol of her new political party, the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

The announcement took place at Sasikala's residence, known as Jayalalithaa Illam in Poes Garden. The party, which she first signaled in February by unveiling its flag on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary, will contest the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry under the coconut grove symbol. Sasikala described the symbol as representing unity and togetherness, likening it to a joint family and emphasizing her commitment to remaining with the people.

Sasikala positioned the new outfit as a continuation of the Dravidian movement's legacy, drawing on the principles of C.N. Annadurai, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa. She recalled how Ramachandran, the AIADMK founder, launched his party to serve the poor and counter the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which she referred to as an "evil force." "Puratchi Thalaivar MGR formed a party for the people," Sasikala told...