Expelled AIADMK Leader V K Sasikala Holds Strategy Meetings for Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls
Expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala has been actively engaging with her supporters over the past two days, holding a series of meetings at her Poes Garden residence in Chennai to deliberate on her potential involvement in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. On Wednesday, her home witnessed a steady influx of visitors for the second consecutive day, indicating heightened political activity as she weighs her options for the electoral fray.
Exploring Candidate Fielding and Party Banner
According to her supporters, Sasikala is seriously considering the possibility of fielding candidates in the assembly election. To facilitate this, she has scheduled additional meetings in the coming days to solidify her strategy. Her brother, V K Dhivakaran, had previously registered a political party named Anna Dravidar Kazhagam (ADK) in 2018 during a rift with AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran. If Sasikala proceeds with fielding candidates, ADK could serve as the banner under which her supporters would contest, providing a formal platform for her political ambitions.
Legal Constraints and Electoral Eligibility
However, Sasikala faces a significant legal hurdle: she is barred from contesting elections herself. Under Indian law, anyone convicted and sentenced to more than two years in prison is disqualified from running for office for six years after their release. Sasikala was released from prison on January 27, 2021, after completing a four-year sentence in the disproportionate assets case, making her ineligible to stand as a candidate in the immediate future. Despite this, her supporters emphasize that she can still play a pivotal role in the electoral process by backing candidates from her camp.
Support Base and Preparatory Work
Former AIADMK functionaries now aligned with Sasikala have expressed confidence in her participation. Former Tiruttani MLA Narasimhan told TOI that her supporters are urging her to field candidates, particularly in constituencies with a substantial Thevar population, such as Usilampatti. Narasimhan has already begun preparatory work in Tiruttani, signaling early mobilization efforts. Supporters note that a section of Thevars, who had previously backed Dhinakaran after his split from AIADMK, are now disenchanted following his alliance with the NDA. This discontent could translate into support for Sasikala's candidates, according to loyalists.
Internal Rifts and Shifting Allegiances
Recent developments within the AMMK highlight growing internal rifts that could benefit Sasikala. AMMK student wing leader Jeevitha Nachiyar recently met with Sasikala, an act that led to her immediate expulsion from the AMMK by Dhinakaran. Longtime supporters of Sasikala suggest that several other AMMK functionaries are also dissatisfied with Dhinakaran's leadership and may shift their allegiance to Sasikala if she decides to field candidates. This potential realignment underscores the fluid political dynamics in Tamil Nadu as parties gear up for the assembly elections.
As Sasikala continues her consultations, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains in flux, with her next moves closely watched by observers and rivals alike. Her ability to leverage the ADK banner and capitalize on discontent within other factions could significantly impact the electoral outcomes in key constituencies.
