V.K. Sasikala urged residents of Edappadi in Salem district to block former chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami from entering the Tamil Nadu Assembly. [1]

The appeal matters because the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is a high‑stakes contest, and local leaders can shape voter sentiment in tightly contested constituencies. Sasikala’s call signals a potential split among supporters of the ruling party, which could affect the balance of power in the state legislature.

Sasikala said EPS betrayed the people of Edappadi — and warned that his financial dealings raise serious concerns. She added that the community should not allow him to take a seat in the Assembly, arguing that his actions undermine the trust of ordinary voters. The statement was made in the context of intensified campaigning across the state, where candidates are courting rural voters ahead of the poll.

Edappadi is a town in Salem district that has historically been a stronghold for the former chief minister’s party. By urging locals to deny EPS entry to the legislature, Sasikala is challenging the traditional loyalty that the area has shown to the party’s senior figures. Observers said such intra‑party dissent could encourage other regional leaders to voice similar objections, potentially reshaping the electoral map.

The Hindu said that Sasikala’s remarks were delivered during a public meeting in Edappadi, where she addressed a crowd of residents and local activists. While no official response from EPS has been recorded, political analysts said the move could force the party’s central leadership to reassess candidate placements and campaign strategies in the district. The call comes as the Election Commission prepares to certify candidate nominations, a process that will determine which faces appear on the ballot.

What this means: Sasikala’s demand reflects growing fissures within the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu. If local residents act on her urging, EPS could be denied a legislative platform, weakening his political influence and possibly altering the outcome of the upcoming assembly election.

“Sasikala told Edappadi residents they must keep EPS out of the Assembly.”

Sasikala’s demand reflects growing fissures within the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu. If local residents act on her urging, EPS could be denied a legislative platform, weakening his political influence and possibly altering the outcome of the upcoming assembly election.