Sasikala Plans Electoral Comeback with Select Candidates in 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

Chennai, Feb 2026 : V.K. Sasikala is preparing to make a renewed political push in Tamil Nadu by fielding candidates in select constituencies in the 2026 Assembly elections, signalling a fresh attempt to reclaim relevance in the state’s highly competitive political landscape. Sources close to her indicate that the former confidante of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa is keen to test her residual influence, particularly in pockets where she is believed to retain a loyal following.

According to those familiar with the developments, Sasikala’s focus is likely to be on the southern districts and the Thevar belt, regions traditionally considered her strongholds. Supporters aligned with her are expected to contest under the banner of the Anna Dravidiar Kazhagam, a party formed in 2018 by her brother, V.K. Divakaran. The decision to use this platform reflects a strategic effort to carve out an independent political identity after years of being sidelined in mainstream Tamil Nadu politics.

Over the past several weeks, Sasikala has reportedly been holding a series of closed-door consultations with loyalists, former AIADMK functionaries and local-level organisers. These meetings are aimed at assessing ground-level support, identifying viable constituencies and determining the extent of her electoral intervention. Rather than mounting a statewide challenge, her camp appears to be weighing a calibrated approach, focusing on select seats where her influence could still make a difference.

As part of this renewed mobilisation, Sasikala is said to be planning a public meeting in Kallakurichi district during the second week of February. The proposed event is expected to serve as a show of strength, aimed at energising cadres and sending a clear signal of her intent to re-enter active politics. Supporters believe such a gathering could help her reconnect with grassroots workers who remain emotionally attached to the legacy of Jayalalithaa.

An official announcement outlining her future political course is expected on February 24, which coincides with Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary. The choice of date is widely seen as symbolic, intended to invoke the late leader’s legacy and appeal to sections of the AIADMK cadre who continue to view Sasikala as an integral part of that political lineage. Observers note that the timing is carefully chosen to revive memories of the past and reassert her association with the former chief minister’s political brand.

Sasikala’s attempted comeback comes after a turbulent political journey. Once regarded as one of the most powerful behind-the-scenes figures in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, she briefly assumed the role of interim general secretary following Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016. However, her career suffered a severe blow after her conviction in the disproportionate assets case, which resulted in a four-year prison sentence and her eventual expulsion from the AIADMK.

Since then, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has categorically ruled out her re-induction into the party. Her relationship with her nephew, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, has also remained strained, with several Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam functionaries earlier facing expulsion for maintaining links with her. Efforts to forge alliances with the AIADMK or the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance have so far failed to yield results.

With the 2026 Assembly elections drawing closer, Sasikala’s decision to field candidates could prove decisive in determining whether she can re-emerge as a meaningful political force or continue to remain on the fringes of Tamil Nadu politics. Much will depend on her ability to convert residual loyalty into votes in a rapidly evolving political environment.

Team Maverick.