India, Feb. 24 -- In a dramatic political move ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala on Monday announced that she will launch her own political party and field candidates, mounting a direct challenge to AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).

Speaking to NDTV in Madurai before leaving to address a public meeting in Pasumpon, Sasikala said she would unveil her party flag later in the day. Pasumpon is the birthplace of Thevar icon Muthuramalinga Thevar and holds deep symbolic significance for the influential Thevar community.

Sasikala's announcement coincides with the birth anniversary events of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, underscoring her attempt to reclaim political relevance by invoki...