On the birth anniversary of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala, once a prominent leader in the AIADMK, officially launched her new political party and unveiled its flag. The flag, designed with the images of iconic leaders C N Annadurai, M G Ramachandran (MGR), and Jayalalithaa, marks a significant step in her attempt to reclaim political relevance in Tamil Nadu. The new party, which Sasikala promises will follow in the footsteps of these Dravidian leaders, is positioned as a movement for the common man, with the goal of challenging the existing political powers in the state.

Sasikala’s announcement was filled with emotional recollections of her past experiences, especially the aftermath of Jayalalithaa's death in 2016. She recalled the hours following Jayalalithaa’s death when many AIADMK members urged her to take over as Chief Minister. Sasikala revealed how, despite the pressure, she chose to honor Jayalalithaa’s customs and support O Panneerselvam (OPS) as the interim Chief Minister. However, the political landscape quickly shifted as Sasikala faced allegations related to the AIADMK supremo's death, which further complicated her aspirations.

Sasikala also drew a parallel between the political humiliation Jayalalithaa endured after the death of MGR and her own struggles within the party. Just as Jayalalithaa fought to secure her place in politics after MGR’s demise, Sasikala is determined to rise again, with her new party aimed at confronting what she sees as betrayal within the AIADMK. The emotional unveiling of the new flag represents Sasikala's commitment to continuing the legacy of the Dravidian movement, despite the challenges she faces.

In the wake of her political exile following a conviction in a disproportionate assets case, Sasikala's return to the political scene is seen as a direct challenge to the current AIADMK leadership, particularly Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), whom she once supported but now calls a "betrayer." The launch of Sasikala's new party, along with her reference to the dramatic political events of 2016, signals that her struggle for political dominance in Tamil Nadu is far from over. As the 2026 elections draw near, Sasikala's latest move has set the stage for a fresh political showdown in the state, with the Dravidian legacy at the forefront of her campaign.