'Instant Sambar, Instant Idli': Sasikala's Nephew Dhinakaran Mocks Her New Party Plan

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 17:11 IST

TTV Dhinakaran mocked VK Sasikala’s new party launch in Tamil Nadu, likening it to instant sambar and idli, asserting it will not affect NDA in the upcoming Assembly elections.

AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran mocked his aunt VK Sasikala over her announcement to launch a new political party in Tamil Nadu, likening the move to “instant sambar and instant idli" and asserting that it would not affect the National Democratic Alliance’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sasikala had announced her return to active politics on February 24 while addressing a public meeting in Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district, organised to mark the 78th birth anniversary of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Reacting to her statement, Dhinakaran said the sudden emergence of political outfits was not unusual.

“Many new parties are emerging like instant sambar and instant idli. Anyone can start a party in a democracy," he said. He also maintained that the loyal followers of Jayalalithaa, fondly called “Amma" by cadres, remained 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. Without naming Sasikala, he added that the “true colours" of those who had claimed they would restore Amma’s rule had now been exposed.

Sasikala, a former close aide of Jayalalithaa, said Tamil Nadu would soon witness “a new political chapter" with the launch of a new Dravidian party. While she did not announce its name, she unveiled a party flag featuring black, white and red colours and portraits of former chief ministers CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.

She also targeted AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had expelled her from the party. Sasikala said her decision to float a new party was taken for the sake of Tamil Nadu and its people and that it would follow the principles of the Dravidian movement while working for the poor and common citizens.

Recalling the political developments after Jayalalithaa’s death in December 2016, Sasikala said ministers and MLAs had urged her to become chief minister. However, she said she declined and instead supported Palaniswami to ensure stability.

She alleged that the same leader later expelled her from the party “like flinging a piece of paper." She also criticised former chief minister O Panneerselvam, saying his ‘Dharma Yudham’ rebellion had created political instability.

Sasikala and Dhinakaran were expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in August 2017 amid a power struggle following Jayalalithaa’s death. Sasikala was later convicted in a disproportionate assets case. Palaniswami subsequently consolidated control over the party and in July 2022 removed Panneerselvam.

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are expected in the first half of this year.

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