VK Sasikala on Friday announced the formation of a new political party named All India Puratchithalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPMMK) and declared that it will contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the ‘Thennanthoppu’ (Coconut Grove) symbol.
Speaking to the media at her residence in Poes Garden, Chennai, Sasikala said the party was founded with the objective of continuing the political legacy of MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. She had earlier announced plans to launch a new party in February last year and later unveiled its flag.
Sasikala said that MGR had launched a movement with the aim of eliminating what he described as the “evil force” of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and protecting the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu, particularly the poor.
She also praised the governance of Jayalalithaa, stating that the former Chief Minister had implemented numerous welfare schemes while adhering to MGR’s principles. According to Sasikala, Jayalalithaa’s tenure saw the introduction of several initiatives focused on the safety and empowerment of women.
However, she claimed that the situation in the state had changed significantly following Jayalalithaa’s demise.
Alleging that the DMK had exploited and troubled the people of Tamil Nadu, Sasikala said she had unveiled the party’s flag on February 24, the birth anniversary of Jayalalithaa. She added that a dedicated cadre committed to the ideals of MGR and Jayalalithaa had launched the political party, which she has now formally joined.
“The party has been named the All India Puratchithalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and we will contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the ‘Coconut Grove’ symbol,” she said, adding that the symbol represents her commitment to remain close to the people.
When asked whether she would contest the elections independently, Sasikala responded with a proverb, saying, “A single tree does not make a grove. But we have not come as a single tree; we have come as a grove. We will stand as a protective shield for those who have supported us since the time of our leader.”
Responding to a question about TTV Dhinakaran, who founded the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and is currently allied with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Sasikala said every political party takes its own decisions.
“For me, the people are everything. The people of Tamil Nadu are good-hearted, and I am confident they will give a favourable verdict,” she said.
Sasikala also criticised the DMK government, alleging that the law-and-order situation in the state had deteriorated and that incidents of violence and crime were increasing. She added that many people believed governance during Jayalalithaa’s tenure had been superior.
“Our mission is to decisively defeat the DMK,” she said.
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