'Anyone can start a party':Sasikala's nephew mocks her new bloc, compares it to 'instant idli-sambar'
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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A nephew of VK Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, mocked her decision to launch a new political party in Tamil Nadu by comparing it to "instant sambar and instant idli." He dismissed the move as insignificant, stating that it would not affect the prospects of the NDA alliance in the upcoming Assembly elections. Sasikala, a former aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, announced her new Dravidian party during an event marking Jayalalithaa's 78th birth anniversary. She unveiled a flag featuring black, white, and red colors, along with images of prominent leaders like CN Annadurai and MGR.
Dhinakaran, who was expelled from AIADMK alongside Sasikala in 2017 during internal conflicts following Jayalalithaa's death, criticized those claiming to restore Jayalalithaa's legacy. He emphasized that true followers of "Amma" remain united under AMMK and AIADMK. Sasikala defended her decision to float a new party, stating it was for the benefit of Tamil Nadu and its people, and accused AIADMK leaders like Edappadi K Palaniswami of betrayal. She also criticized former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam for creating political instability through his "Dharma Yudham" rebellion.
Sasikala's move comes as she faces legal issues, including a conviction in a disproportionate assets case. Her new party aims to follow the Dravidian movement and focus
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026