AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran mocked his aunt VK Sasikala after she announced the launch of a new political party in Tamil Nadu, comparing the move to “instant sambar and instant idli.” He stated that the development would not impact the prospects of the NDA in the upcoming Assembly elections.Sasikala announced her return to active politics on February 24 while addressing a public meeting in Kamuthi, Ramanathapuram district, held to mark the 78th birth anniversary of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.Reacting to her announcement, Dhinakaran told reporters that many parties are being launched suddenly. “Many new parties are emerging like instant sambar and instant idli. Anyone can start a party in a democracy,” he said.He asserted that the true followers of Jayalalithaa, whom cadres refer to as “Amma,” remain united. “All the true followers of Amma — the AMMK and AIADMK — are solidly together in facing the upcoming Assembly election. We will establish Amma’s rule in the state,” Dhinakaran said while speaking in Tirunelveli, news agency PTI reported. Without naming Sasikala directly, he added that the “true colours” of those who claimed they would restore Amma’s rule in Tamil Nadu have now been exposed.Sasikala said that Tamil Nadu would soon witness “a new political chapter” and declared that she would launch a new Dravidian party. The name of the party is yet to be announced.At the event, Sasikala unveiled a party flag featuring black, white and red colours, along with images of former chief ministers CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa. She also targeted AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had expelled her from the party.Sasikala, a former close aide of Jayalalithaa, had earlier said that her decision to float a new party was taken for the sake of Tamil Nadu, its people and party cadres. She said that the new outfit would follow the Dravidian movement and work for the poor and common people.Recalling the political developments after Jayalalithaa’s death in December 2016, Sasikala said that ministers and MLAs had urged her to become chief minister. However, she said she chose not to accept the post and instead supported Edappadi K Palaniswami as chief minister to ensure stability in the government.She alleged that the same person she had supported later expelled her from the AIADMK “like flinging a piece of paper.” She also criticised former chief minister O Panneerselvam, saying his decision to rebel through a ‘Dharma Yudham’ created political instability and caused long-term issues.Sasikala and Dhinakaran were expelled from the AIADMK in August 2017 during the internal power struggle that followed Jayalalithaa’s death. Sasikala was later convicted in a disproportionate assets case. Palaniswami eventually consolidated control of the party and, in July 2022, removed Panneerselvam from the AIADMK. Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are expected in the first half of the year.