Sasikala to Unveil Name of New Political Party Within a Week, Confirms Assembly Poll Plans

Chennai, Feb 2026 : V. K. Sasikala, former close aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and a familiar face in Tamil Nadu politics, on Thursday announced that the name of her new political party would be revealed within a week. She also confirmed that the party would contest the upcoming Assembly elections, signalling her formal re-entry into active electoral politics.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, Sasikala said preparations for the launch of the party were moving ahead as planned. “The name of the party will be announced within a week,” she said, adding that organisational work was progressing steadily across the state. Her statement has triggered fresh political buzz at a time when major parties are sharpening their strategies ahead of the crucial 2026 polls.

Sasikala also revealed that discussions were underway regarding a possible electoral alliance. While she refrained from naming any potential partners, she indicated that talks were at an advanced stage. “We are holding talks regarding an alliance, and it will culminate in a good decision,” she said, suggesting that clarity on this front would emerge soon. Her comments have fuelled speculation about possible realignments in Tamil Nadu’s dynamic political landscape.

Responding to questions on whether the limited time left before the elections could pose challenges in building a new party structure, Sasikala struck a confident note. She said the people of Tamil Nadu were well aware of her political journey and long association with public life. According to her, this familiarity would help the party gain traction quickly and overcome organisational hurdles. She expressed confidence that grassroots support could be mobilised without major difficulty despite the tight timeline.

Political observers see Sasikala’s announcement as a significant development, especially in a state where alliance arithmetic often plays a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes. With established parties already deep into campaign preparations, her entry is expected to add a new layer of complexity to the pre-poll scenario and could influence vote shares in key regions.

During her interaction with the media, Sasikala also paid tribute to veteran Communist Party of India leader R. Nallakannu, who passed away on Wednesday. Remembering him as a leader deeply committed to the cause of the poor, she said he dedicated his entire life to his movement without ever holding positions such as Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislative Assembly. “He was affectionate with everyone and remained true to his ideology throughout his life,” she said, adding that his demise was an irreparable loss to his family and to the movement he represented.

With this announcement, Sasikala has clearly indicated her intent to play an active and decisive role in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for intensified political activity and heightened speculation in the months ahead.