Actor Sarathkumar walks out of AIADMK alliance before Tamil Nadu polls

In yet another political development ahead of Tami Nadu elections, Sarathkumar, 61, an actor-turned-politician and leader of the Samathuva Makkal Katchi, has decided to leave the AIADMK alliance.

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Speaking to The Indian Express, he said he has fulfilled his commitments and promises to AIADMK and the people.

In the run-up to the Tami Nadu Assembly elections, Sarathkumar, the actor-turned-politician and leader of the Samathuva Makkal Katchi, walked out of the AIADMK alliance Sunday.

“I promised that I will be in the alliance, I have completed five years now and fulfilled my word. I do not want to blame AIADMK, but when I look back I feel that we could have done much more than what we did,” he told The Indian Express.

Sarathkumar, however, lost one MLA while leaving the alliance.

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“Including myself, we had two MLAs. But one MLA, Ernavur Narayanan, has been expelled from the party earlier,” he said. Narayanan was expelled after he opposed the decision to leave the alliance with AIADMK last month.

Sarathkumar, who once had a hold over the powerful Nadar community votes in the state’s southern districts, had entered politics with the help of K P Kandasamy, a former DMK minister and founder of Dinakaran. His powerful community also helped Sarathkumar’s swift rise in politics. The actor was even elected on a DMK ticket to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu in 2001. His wife Radhika, daughter of late actor M R Radha, is also known to have close links with the DMK.

In 2006, Sarathkumar quit DMK to join the AIADMK, a move that did not last long. He formed the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi in 2007.

On Sunday, he refused to comment on his experience with AIADMK. However, he said his party had already finalised an election manifesto and will announce the alliance decisions soon. “The youth are my strength,” the 61-year-old said. “There is a vacuum in state politics. People are tired of both Dravidian parties — they are expecting new faces, a new leader. I will work for them.”

Asked whether it was the lack of AIADMK support during the Nadigar Sangam controversy and his embarrassing defeat in the film association’s election that led to his exit, he said: “That was a trivial issue. Nadigar Sangam issues have nothing to do with politics.”

Arun Janardhanan

Arun Janardhanan Tamil Nadu Correspondent for The Indian Express, a leading national daily newspaper. Based in the state, his work focuses on providing deep, ground-level coverage of Tamil Nadu’s complex political, judicial, and cultural landscape, establishing his high degree of Expertise and Authority in this critical region. Expertise Geographic Focus: As the Tamil Nadu Correspondent, Arun covers the state comprehensively, offering readers localized insights into major political shifts and social issues. Key Coverage Areas: His recent reporting demonstrates in-depth knowledge across several vital beats: State Politics and Governance: Detailed coverage of the DMK and AIADMK, the rise of new political entrants like actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party dynamics, and federal issues involving the Governor and the Centre. Legal and Judicial Matters: In-depth reporting on high-profile Madras High Court cases, particularly those involving religious and cultural disputes (e.g., the Madurai temple-dargah row) and legal actions against officials. Culture and Social Issues: Reporting on the activities of cultural outfits (e.g., Hindu Munnani) and debates surrounding language and cultural priorities. Disaster and Crisis Reporting: Timely updates on natural calamities like cyclones and their impact on the state, such as the prolonged rains in Chennai. ... Read More