VK Sasikala, the former interim general secretary of the AIADMK, issued a statement on 5 June 2024, urging ‘party (AIADMK) members to unite’. This appeal came in response to JCD Prabhakar’s plea for unity among supporters of AIADMK stalwarts MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, made by the former Villivakkam MLA and a key aide of former AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam.
In her statement, Sasikala expressed concern over the consecutive electoral setbacks the organization (AIADMK) faced in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the need for collective effort rather than individual endeavours. She highlighted the party’s critical juncture, urging a choice between continued defeats or a return to success.
Reflecting on her efforts to protect the AIADMK before her imprisonment in 2017 due to a disproportionate assets case, Sasikala lamented the subsequent loss of power and disunity within the party. Stressing the importance of the party’s supporters and the state’s people, she urged genuine stakeholders to step up to prevent the party’s demise and foster the state’s progress. Sasikala articulated a vision for reviving the “Amma reign” by 2026, expressing regret over the party’s failure to secure deposits in seven constituencies.
Sasikala, hitting out at the DMK, stated, “This can be seen as an example of (proverb) “If a town is divided, dancers will celebrate” DMK is taking advantage of the divisions in our organisation and winning it cold. I have been patient all this time with the sole thought that this movement should never fail.“
Slamming the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palanisami, she wrote, “I made great efforts to unify the party. The destruction of the movement can no longer amuse me because of the personal preferences and hatred of a few. Losing its recognition as India’s third-largest party, it has come fourth in a few seats in today’s parliamentary elections. Being relegated to the third place is very painful. Also, it is a huge pain that the movement has never seen deposit amount in 7 places. This is why the two great leaders worked tirelessly for the progress of this movement till their last breath. This is a huge betrayal to them. I cannot bear this.”
“What led to this predicament? The movement has encountered an unprecedented string of defeats. There’s no advantage in pursuing separate paths. Each individual must contemplate their own role in achieving success. Otherwise, it’s crucial to heed others’ advice and rectify mistakes. Dwelling on losses and shedding tears serves no purpose. Should a movement initiated by a revolutionary leader and nurtured by a revolutionary figure continue to falter, or should it strive for success? The time has come to decide. Everyone must acknowledge this reality and rally to unite the party. I urge everyone to remember the words of our revolutionary leader, Amma, who proclaimed, “This movement will continue to serve the people for generations.”
“If I maintain patience, it’s out of loyalty to our Puratchi Thalaivi. Betraying the millions of dedicated volunteers who have devoted their lives to this movement and the people of Tamil Nadu would be a grave injustice. Thus, this movement must stand united. All faction leaders must set aside personal preferences and prioritize the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and the devoted volunteers of this movement. Embrace everyone equally, upholding the principles established by our revered leader, regardless of caste or religion, in line with our revolutionary leader’s ethos. My aim is unity. The party and the people of Tamil Nadu are my family. Unlike our revolutionary leader mother, I lack a personal family. I harbour no personal biases. I want to emphasize that every decision I’ve made since the passing of my mentor and guide in politics, our revolutionary leader mother, has been for the betterment of the party and the people of Tamil Nadu. Who is to blame? Ponder this: if everyone had united and faced the parliamentary elections as a formidable force, the DMK alliance, currently revelling in victory, would have faced a crushing defeat.”
“During the critical period of 2017, when I was unjustly imprisoned due to political machinations, my sole concern was preserving Amma’s legacy, which meant safeguarding the party. However, what ensued? The party’s rule failed to return in Tamil Nadu. The party itself suffered. Our revolutionary leader always emphasized that this party is for the underprivileged and, thus, it is crucial. She constantly reminded me of the significance of our volunteers. For me, the millions of volunteers who believe in this party and the people of Tamil Nadu hold the utmost importance. Recognizing this, this party mustn’t perish. All those genuinely interested in advancing the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu should come forward. A bright future awaits. Our goal is to reinstate Amma’s governance in Tamil Nadu, and no force can hinder the party from winning the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. We must commence our efforts immediately. Everyone must join hands and work in unity for the betterment of the party and the people of Tamil Nadu. I warmly invite you all to the “Jayalalitha House”.
Let’s unite under the Kazhagam banner. Let’s unite to advance our movement and better the lives of our devoted volunteers and the people of Tamil Nadu. Club volunteers, don’t be disheartened. If we stand united, no one can defeat us. The future belongs to us. To fulfil the dreams of our two great leaders, all the hardships we face today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow if we stay steadfast on the right path,” the press release concluded.
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