April 14, 2026

New Delhi: India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity, having surpassed Brazil in global rankings, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday.The minister for new and renewable energy said India had added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil power capacity in 2025-26, taking the total to 283.5 GW. “This is the highest increase in any year,” he said. Distributed renewable energy — rooftop solar installations and solar pumps for irrigation — has emerged as a significant component of growth, with 7.6 GW added under PM KUSUM scheme and 8.7 GW coming from rooftop solar plants.Addressing a press conference, Joshi said India had reached its highest-ever renewable energy share in electricity generation in July 2025, when green sources — solar, wind, hydro and nuclear — met 51.5% of total electricity demand of 203 GW. In the current scenario, with fossil fuel supplies disrupted due to the conflict in West Asia, steps taken by govt have helped reduce dependence on oil imports.“We have achieved almost 100% electrification of railways, EV sales have increased and daytime charging costs are very low. The use of solar energy with battery storage is increasing in households. We are in discussion with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) for production of utensils suited for induction stoves to increase its use,” Joshi said.He acknowledged a few instances of curtailment of output from wind and solar farms by grid operators, preventing them from generating at full capacity. “Our transmission system has largely been developed for thermal-based energy and is taking time to adjust. Work on delayed transmission lines is being expedited and is expected to be completed by June, after which the issue of curtailment will not arise,” he said.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPC123Photostories8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming moviesAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCR123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
New Delhi: India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity, having surpassed Brazil in global rankings, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday.The minister for new and renewable energy said India had added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil power capacity in 2025-26, taking the total to 283.5 GW. “This is the highest increase in any year,” he said. Distributed renewable energy — rooftop solar installations and solar pumps for irrigation — has emerged as a significant component of growth, with 7.6 GW added under PM KUSUM scheme and 8.7 GW coming from rooftop solar plants.Addressing a press conference, Joshi said India had reached its highest-ever renewable energy share in electricity generation in July 2025, when green sources — solar, wind, hydro and nuclear — met 51.5% of total electricity demand of 203 GW. In the current scenario, with fossil fuel supplies disrupted due to the conflict in West Asia, steps taken by govt have helped reduce dependence on oil imports.“We have achieved almost 100% electrification of railways, EV sales have increased and daytime charging costs are very low. The use of solar energy with battery storage is increasing in households. We are in discussion with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) for production of utensils suited for induction stoves to increase its use,” Joshi said.He acknowledged a few instances of curtailment of output from wind and solar farms by grid operators, preventing them from generating at full capacity. “Our transmission system has largely been developed for thermal-based energy and is taking time to adjust. Work on delayed transmission lines is being expedited and is expected to be completed by June, after which the issue of curtailment will not arise,” he said.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Pushes For ‘Freedom Of Navigation’ At Hormuz After Iran-US Ceasefire, Jaishankar Heads To UAE’How Will We Get PoK, Aksai Chin Back?’: Owaisi Slams Modi Govt Over US-Iran CeasefireOil Falls After US-Iran Ceasefire, But Why Indians May Not See Cheaper Fuel Anytime SoonIndia Seeks Return Of Stranded Ships In Hormuz, Evacuation Of 7,500 Indians In Iran After CeasefireIndia’s Theatre Command Plan Nears Reality, Marking Major Shift In WarfightingExplained: Why India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Is A Game-Changer For Its Nuclear RoadmapEAM Jaishankar Hosts Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman For Crucial Bilateral Talks In DelhiDRDO Chief Flags Risks Of Foreign Dependence, Calls For Full-Spectrum Defence Self-Reliance’I Cry When I Think Of Indians’: Iran Supreme Leader’s Rep Hails India After Ceasefire With US‘Hormuz Disruptions Could Hit Growth’: RBI Governor Malhotra Flags Oil, Inflation Risks After MPC123Photostories8 red snakes you won’t believe exist in the wildThese 8 teddy bear-like dogs are so cute you won’t believe they’re realBanarasi outfit ideas beyond sarees inspired by Bollywood celebritiesWhat are the Vedic switch words? know their powerful effects in HinduismAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ release, let’s revisit Meryl Streep’s other iconic charactersNearly 100 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning: Food storage mistakes that turn dangerous in summerTop 8 Indian real estate hotspots for NRI investors right nowFrom ‘Ramayana’, ‘Cocktail 2’ to ‘Toxic’: A complete look at 2026’s biggest upcoming moviesAs Ranbir Kapoor takes on dual roles in ‘Ramayana’, a look at Bollywood’s finest double role performancesMumbai Metro crosses 100km, overtakes Bengaluru to become India’s second-largest network after Delhi-NCR123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIPL 2026Donald TrumpB V NagarathnaRomarioMHT CET Admit cardBengal PollIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date


India ranked third globally in RE capacity

New Delhi: India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity, having surpassed Brazil in global rankings, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday.The minister for new and renewable energy said India had added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil power capacity in 2025-26, taking the total to 283.5 GW. “This is the highest increase in any year,” he said. Distributed renewable energy — rooftop solar installations and solar pumps for irrigation — has emerged as a significant component of growth, with 7.6 GW added under PM KUSUM scheme and 8.7 GW coming from rooftop solar plants.Addressing a press conference, Joshi said India had reached its highest-ever renewable energy share in electricity generation in July 2025, when green sources — solar, wind, hydro and nuclear — met 51.5% of total electricity demand of 203 GW. In the current scenario, with fossil fuel supplies disrupted due to the conflict in West Asia, steps taken by govt have helped reduce dependence on oil imports.“We have achieved almost 100% electrification of railways, EV sales have increased and daytime charging costs are very low. The use of solar energy with battery storage is increasing in households. We are in discussion with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) for production of utensils suited for induction stoves to increase its use,” Joshi said.He acknowledged a few instances of curtailment of output from wind and solar farms by grid operators, preventing them from generating at full capacity. “Our transmission system has largely been developed for thermal-based energy and is taking time to adjust. Work on delayed transmission lines is being expedited and is expected to be completed by June, after which the issue of curtailment will not arise,” he said.



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Following Nitish Kumar’s resignation, Samrat Choudhary was voted in to become the next Bihar chief minister.Over 300 arrested, seven FIRs filed after fresh Noida workers’ protests. The probe also pointed to an organised WhatsApp network.US-Iran negotiations edge towards a second round of talks, with Islamabad and Geneva emerging as leading venue options.An unannounced gas outage in Pakistan’s Karachi is forcing families to queue for roti and LPG.Nine FIRs and multiple arrests were made at the TCS BPO unit in Nashik after multiple POSH complaints were ignored.Here are the top 5 news updates from the day:Samrat Choudhary set to become next Bihar chief ministerAfter Nitish Kumar resigned from the position of Bihar chief minister to join the Rajya Sabha, Samrat Choudhary was voted in to be the next Bihar CM, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post. The move signalled a major political shift, ending Nitish Kumar’s over two-decade-long dominance in the state’s governance landscape. 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Read the full story.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly‘Gross Injustice If Delayed’: PM Modi Seeks Backing for Women’s Reservation BillHow Secret Police Operation Uncovered Abuse, Coercion, Religious Pressure; Firm Promises ActionAfter Violent Noida Unrest, Uttar Pradesh Govt Raises Wages In Urgent Bid To Restore Calm And TrustNoida Violence Under Scanner As Probe Explores Pakistan Link, 350 People Arrested In CrackdownED Arrests I-Pac Co-Founder Vinesh Chandel; Big Blow To TMC Ahead Of Bengal PollsIndia Receives Iranian Crude After 7 Years Amid Looming US Hormuz Blockade CrisisVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral Ties123Photostories‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actressesThese places have the most eerie and bizarre natural formations10 mysteries hidden beneath the ocean floor that scientists still can’t explain8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D DeficiencyMumbai’s first closed-door local arrives, big safety shift on tracksThis is India’s leading milk-producing state: FSSAI’s general standards for milk composition and quality factorsWhy are wildlife enthusiasts heading to Jim Corbett National Park in April?123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

Following Nitish Kumar’s resignation, Samrat Choudhary was voted in to become the next Bihar chief minister.Over 300 arrested, seven FIRs filed after fresh Noida workers’ protests. The probe also pointed to an organised WhatsApp network.US-Iran negotiations edge towards a second round of talks, with Islamabad and Geneva emerging as leading venue options.An unannounced gas outage in Pakistan’s Karachi is forcing families to queue for roti and LPG.Nine FIRs and multiple arrests were made at the TCS BPO unit in Nashik after multiple POSH complaints were ignored.Here are the top 5 news updates from the day:Samrat Choudhary set to become next Bihar chief ministerAfter Nitish Kumar resigned from the position of Bihar chief minister to join the Rajya Sabha, Samrat Choudhary was voted in to be the next Bihar CM, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post. The move signalled a major political shift, ending Nitish Kumar’s over two-decade-long dominance in the state’s governance landscape. Follow live updates.Noida violence: Police flag QR code-based WhatsApp ‘syndicate’; 7 FIRs filed, over 300 heldFresh protests resurfaced in Noida despite heavy police deployment and a wage hike, though authorities said the situation remains under control. Over 300 people were arrested, and seven FIRs were filed after Monday’s violence. Investigation revealed a possible organised WhatsApp-based network behind the mobilisation. Read the full story.Islamabad or not? US–Iran talks inch toward second round after first failedThe US and Iran talks are now moving toward a second round of negotiations despite no breakthrough in earlier talks. With tensions high after weeks of conflict, both sides remain engaged. Islamabad and Geneva are being considered as possible venues for the next round of talks, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key mediator. Read the full story.Karachi families struggle as unannounced gas cuts enter second weekUnannounced gas outages have heavily disrupted daily life across Pakistan’s Karachi for a second week, forcing residents to queue for roti and LPG. The Sui Southern Gas Company had faced criticism for erratic supply, though it denied lapses. Households, especially women and students, are struggling amid worsening power and water shortages. Read the full story.POSH failure at TCS Nashik? HR AGM arrested for ‘ignoring’ complaintsA major probe into alleged sexual harassment at a TCS BPO unit in Nashik led to nine FIRs and multiple arrests, including an HR official from the POSH panel. An SIT examined complaints by women employees, with investigators scrutinising emails, chats and financial records over suspected lapses in grievance handling. Read the full story.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly‘Gross Injustice If Delayed’: PM Modi Seeks Backing for Women’s Reservation BillHow Secret Police Operation Uncovered Abuse, Coercion, Religious Pressure; Firm Promises ActionAfter Violent Noida Unrest, Uttar Pradesh Govt Raises Wages In Urgent Bid To Restore Calm And TrustNoida Violence Under Scanner As Probe Explores Pakistan Link, 350 People Arrested In CrackdownED Arrests I-Pac Co-Founder Vinesh Chandel; Big Blow To TMC Ahead Of Bengal PollsIndia Receives Iranian Crude After 7 Years Amid Looming US Hormuz Blockade CrisisVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral Ties123Photostories‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actressesThese places have the most eerie and bizarre natural formations10 mysteries hidden beneath the ocean floor that scientists still can’t explain8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D DeficiencyMumbai’s first closed-door local arrives, big safety shift on tracksThis is India’s leading milk-producing state: FSSAI’s general standards for milk composition and quality factorsWhy are wildlife enthusiasts heading to Jim Corbett National Park in April?123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

Vamsikrishna 0
In Tamil Nadu politics, memory is not just emotion, it is currency. And no political memory carries more weight than that of J Jayalalithaa, the late AIADMK supremo revered as “Amma,” whose political legacy continues to shape electoral calculations nearly a decade after her death.Now, former AIADMK chief VK Sasikala is attempting a political comeback through a new outfit, All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam, pitching herself as a natural inheritor of the Dravidian legacy. Her claim rests on her experience, the relationship she shared with Amma, and the argument that she alone can reclaim political space from the ruling DMK.But in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, will this nostalgia be sufficient to secure her votes? The Amma legacyUnder Jayalalithaa’s leadership, governance became a carefully engineered blend of welfare delivery and emotional politics. Subsidies accounted for more than a third of Tamil Nadu’s revenue expenditure, forming the backbone of a populist model that deeply resonated with women, rural voters, and lower-income households.Her government was also marked by social interventions that strengthened her “protective leader” image. Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to allow government hospitals to perform medical procedures for transgender people to help them fight infections, a move widely seen as progressive within a traditionally conservative political environment.From subsidised goods to targeted welfare schemes, the state’s administrative machinery often functioned as an extension of Amma’s personal brand. That direct linkage between leader and beneficiary created an unusually strong emotional voter contract, one that still influences political behaviour today.This is the legacy Sasikala is attempting to tap into, not just politically, but emotionally.From power centre to political outsiderSasikala’s political story is inseparable from Jayalalithaa’s inner circle. Known as “Chinnamma,” she functioned for decades as a powerful intermediary within the AIADMK ecosystem, controlling access to the leadership and influencing cadre-level decisions without holding formal office.Introduced into the AIADMK orbit in the early 1980s, she gradually became a constant presence at Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence. Over time, she evolved from confidante to gatekeeper, becoming one of the most influential but unofficial figures in the party structure.After Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, Sasikala was unanimously elevated as AIADMK general secretary during a leadership vacuum. At the time, the party was founded by MG Ramachandran, and Sasikala’s rise briefly positioned her as its central authority.Her assertion then was ambitious: “Amma is not with us now but our party will rule here for the next 100 years.”But within weeks, her political trajectory began to unravel.The years that followed saw the AIADMK transform from a vertically disciplined party into a fragmented political structure. Competing factions led by EPS and OPS attempted to assert legitimacy, eventually merging in part, but without restoring the earlier emotional unity.What was once a tightly controlled cadre machine under Jayalalithaa has now become a negotiated coalition of leaders, where authority is distributed rather than centralised.The party that once functioned as a single-command structure under Jayalalithaa now operates through negotiated leadership balance, strong organisationally, but weaker emotionally.This fragmentation is what Sasikala is attempting to exploit, but it is also what limits her reach. The AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” symbol still commands loyalty among core voters, and organisational continuity remains intact at the booth level, even if internal cohesion is strained.In this sense, Sasikala is not entering a vacuum, she is entering a structure that has already adapted without her.Can Amma’s emotional capital be transferred?Sasikala’s current political strategy rests on a single assumption, that Amma’s emotional capital can be transferred to her own leadership project. But Tamil Nadu’s political history suggests otherwise.Jayalalithaa’s appeal was deeply personal and tightly centralised. Her governance created a direct leader-to-voter relationship that bypassed intermediaries. Sasikala, despite her proximity, was always an enabler, not the face of that contract.That distinction is now the core challenge of her political revival.AIADMK’s countermove: ‘Amma oath’ politics returnsWary of the growing “Sasikala factor,” the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leadership has moved to reassert Jayalalithaa’s monopoly over political memory.Senior leader Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a call to cadres ahead of Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary on February 24, asking them to take a pledge in her name.Cadres were instructed to light lamps at 6 pm in their homes, pray to Amma’s “atma,” and vow to protect the party till their last breath. The leadership framed it as a spiritual-political exercise, warning against “enemies and betrayers” attempting to weaken the organisation.Though Sasikala was not named explicitly, the political signal was unmistakable — a pre-emptive mobilisation against internal and external challengers.The directive came amid heightened political churn triggered by Sasikala’s re-entry into Tamil Nadu politics after her prison release, and renewed activity by her nephew TTV Dhinakaran, both of whom the AIADMK expelled in 2017.DMK’s consolidation: Governance over nostalgiaAt the same time, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam under Chief Minister MK Stalin has consolidated its position through welfare expansion, institutional governance, and cadre stability.Unlike personality-driven mobilisation, the DMK’s strategy increasingly relies on scheme-based outreach and bureaucratic delivery systems that reduce dependence on emotional recall.Moreover, the entry of O Panneerselvam into the DMK camp led by MK Stalin marks a significant political shift, especially in the battle over the legacy of J Jayalalithaa. Once a loyalist and symbolic inheritor of her political legacy within the AIADMK, OPS is now positioning himself alongside Stalin, even invoking the blessings of both Amma and MG Ramachandran to back the DMK’s return to power. This move not only sharpens his rivalry with Sasikala. In doing so, OPS is recasting himself from an internal dissenter to a broader political player, leveraging the emotional weight of the Amma legacy in a new alliance ahead of the 2026 elections.A crowded opposition: Vijay factor and vote splittingThe entry of actor-politician Vijay through Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has further reshaped the battlefield.What was once a bipolar contest is now a multi-polar field, where anti-incumbency sentiment is dispersed across multiple challengers. This fragmentation reduces the probability of any single opposition force converting emotional appeal into electoral dominance.In this environment, even strong emotional narratives risk being diluted into overlapping voter bases rather than consolidated support blocs.On the campaign trail, Sasikala has leaned heavily on Jayalalithaa-era symbolism, invoking Amma, referencing MGR, and projecting herself as part of the original Dravidian ideological lineage.Her party flag features Dravidian icons, reinforcing continuity with political tradition rather than rupture. But political observers note a critical gap: symbolism does not automatically translate into cadre mobilisation.Jayalalithaa’s rallies were defined by precision, command, and tightly controlled messaging that turned emotion into electoral machinery. Sasikala’s current political style, though emotionally charged, lacks the same disciplined mass orchestration.Sasikala’s return is also framed by ongoing legal and political aftershocks. Civil suits filed by her and Dhinakaran challenging AIADMK organisational decisions remain pending. Additionally, state-level actions related to disproportionate assets investigations, including confiscation of properties linked to her relatives, continue to cast a shadow over her political rehabilitation.These unresolved disputes ensure that her political comeback is being fought simultaneously in courtrooms, party structures, and public perception battles.There is no doubt that Amma nostalgia continues to influence Tamil Nadu’s political psyche. It is visible in welfare memory, symbolic politics, and emotional recall across sections of the electorate.But nostalgia is not a standalone vote bank. It requires organisational depth, leadership credibility, and electoral machinery to convert sentiment into seats.For Sasikala, the challenge is not simply invoking Amma’s legacy, it is proving she can operate outside it. The AIADMK is invoking Amma to protect itself. The DMK is countering it through governance. And Sasikala is attempting to claim it as an inheritance.In between lies the central question of Tamil Nadu politics today – can memory survive without machinery, and can machinery be rebuilt from memory alone?About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly‘Gross Injustice If Delayed’: PM Modi Seeks Backing for Women’s Reservation BillHow Secret Police Operation Uncovered Abuse, Coercion, Religious Pressure; Firm Promises ActionAfter Violent Noida Unrest, Uttar Pradesh Govt Raises Wages In Urgent Bid To Restore Calm And TrustNoida Violence Under Scanner As Probe Explores Pakistan Link, 350 People Arrested In CrackdownED Arrests I-Pac Co-Founder Vinesh Chandel; Big Blow To TMC Ahead Of Bengal PollsIndia Receives Iranian Crude After 7 Years Amid Looming US Hormuz Blockade CrisisVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral Ties123Photostories5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actressesThese places have the most eerie and bizarre natural formations10 mysteries hidden beneath the ocean floor that scientists still can’t explain8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D DeficiencyMumbai’s first closed-door local arrives, big safety shift on tracksThis is India’s leading milk-producing state: FSSAI’s general standards for milk composition and quality factorsWhy are wildlife enthusiasts heading to Jim Corbett National Park in April?Artemis II mission: Nasa unveils stunning images of Earth and Moon captured during historic flyby — In pics123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

In Tamil Nadu politics, memory is not just emotion, it is currency. And no political memory carries more weight than that of J Jayalalithaa, the late AIADMK supremo revered as “Amma,” whose political legacy continues to shape electoral calculations nearly a decade after her death.Now, former AIADMK chief VK Sasikala is attempting a political comeback through a new outfit, All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam, pitching herself as a natural inheritor of the Dravidian legacy. Her claim rests on her experience, the relationship she shared with Amma, and the argument that she alone can reclaim political space from the ruling DMK.But in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, will this nostalgia be sufficient to secure her votes? The Amma legacyUnder Jayalalithaa’s leadership, governance became a carefully engineered blend of welfare delivery and emotional politics. Subsidies accounted for more than a third of Tamil Nadu’s revenue expenditure, forming the backbone of a populist model that deeply resonated with women, rural voters, and lower-income households.Her government was also marked by social interventions that strengthened her “protective leader” image. Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to allow government hospitals to perform medical procedures for transgender people to help them fight infections, a move widely seen as progressive within a traditionally conservative political environment.From subsidised goods to targeted welfare schemes, the state’s administrative machinery often functioned as an extension of Amma’s personal brand. That direct linkage between leader and beneficiary created an unusually strong emotional voter contract, one that still influences political behaviour today.This is the legacy Sasikala is attempting to tap into, not just politically, but emotionally.From power centre to political outsiderSasikala’s political story is inseparable from Jayalalithaa’s inner circle. Known as “Chinnamma,” she functioned for decades as a powerful intermediary within the AIADMK ecosystem, controlling access to the leadership and influencing cadre-level decisions without holding formal office.Introduced into the AIADMK orbit in the early 1980s, she gradually became a constant presence at Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence. Over time, she evolved from confidante to gatekeeper, becoming one of the most influential but unofficial figures in the party structure.After Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, Sasikala was unanimously elevated as AIADMK general secretary during a leadership vacuum. At the time, the party was founded by MG Ramachandran, and Sasikala’s rise briefly positioned her as its central authority.Her assertion then was ambitious: “Amma is not with us now but our party will rule here for the next 100 years.”But within weeks, her political trajectory began to unravel.The years that followed saw the AIADMK transform from a vertically disciplined party into a fragmented political structure. Competing factions led by EPS and OPS attempted to assert legitimacy, eventually merging in part, but without restoring the earlier emotional unity.What was once a tightly controlled cadre machine under Jayalalithaa has now become a negotiated coalition of leaders, where authority is distributed rather than centralised.The party that once functioned as a single-command structure under Jayalalithaa now operates through negotiated leadership balance, strong organisationally, but weaker emotionally.This fragmentation is what Sasikala is attempting to exploit, but it is also what limits her reach. The AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” symbol still commands loyalty among core voters, and organisational continuity remains intact at the booth level, even if internal cohesion is strained.In this sense, Sasikala is not entering a vacuum, she is entering a structure that has already adapted without her.Can Amma’s emotional capital be transferred?Sasikala’s current political strategy rests on a single assumption, that Amma’s emotional capital can be transferred to her own leadership project. But Tamil Nadu’s political history suggests otherwise.Jayalalithaa’s appeal was deeply personal and tightly centralised. Her governance created a direct leader-to-voter relationship that bypassed intermediaries. Sasikala, despite her proximity, was always an enabler, not the face of that contract.That distinction is now the core challenge of her political revival.AIADMK’s countermove: ‘Amma oath’ politics returnsWary of the growing “Sasikala factor,” the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leadership has moved to reassert Jayalalithaa’s monopoly over political memory.Senior leader Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a call to cadres ahead of Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary on February 24, asking them to take a pledge in her name.Cadres were instructed to light lamps at 6 pm in their homes, pray to Amma’s “atma,” and vow to protect the party till their last breath. The leadership framed it as a spiritual-political exercise, warning against “enemies and betrayers” attempting to weaken the organisation.Though Sasikala was not named explicitly, the political signal was unmistakable — a pre-emptive mobilisation against internal and external challengers.The directive came amid heightened political churn triggered by Sasikala’s re-entry into Tamil Nadu politics after her prison release, and renewed activity by her nephew TTV Dhinakaran, both of whom the AIADMK expelled in 2017.DMK’s consolidation: Governance over nostalgiaAt the same time, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam under Chief Minister MK Stalin has consolidated its position through welfare expansion, institutional governance, and cadre stability.Unlike personality-driven mobilisation, the DMK’s strategy increasingly relies on scheme-based outreach and bureaucratic delivery systems that reduce dependence on emotional recall.Moreover, the entry of O Panneerselvam into the DMK camp led by MK Stalin marks a significant political shift, especially in the battle over the legacy of J Jayalalithaa. Once a loyalist and symbolic inheritor of her political legacy within the AIADMK, OPS is now positioning himself alongside Stalin, even invoking the blessings of both Amma and MG Ramachandran to back the DMK’s return to power. This move not only sharpens his rivalry with Sasikala. In doing so, OPS is recasting himself from an internal dissenter to a broader political player, leveraging the emotional weight of the Amma legacy in a new alliance ahead of the 2026 elections.A crowded opposition: Vijay factor and vote splittingThe entry of actor-politician Vijay through Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has further reshaped the battlefield.What was once a bipolar contest is now a multi-polar field, where anti-incumbency sentiment is dispersed across multiple challengers. This fragmentation reduces the probability of any single opposition force converting emotional appeal into electoral dominance.In this environment, even strong emotional narratives risk being diluted into overlapping voter bases rather than consolidated support blocs.On the campaign trail, Sasikala has leaned heavily on Jayalalithaa-era symbolism, invoking Amma, referencing MGR, and projecting herself as part of the original Dravidian ideological lineage.Her party flag features Dravidian icons, reinforcing continuity with political tradition rather than rupture. But political observers note a critical gap: symbolism does not automatically translate into cadre mobilisation.Jayalalithaa’s rallies were defined by precision, command, and tightly controlled messaging that turned emotion into electoral machinery. Sasikala’s current political style, though emotionally charged, lacks the same disciplined mass orchestration.Sasikala’s return is also framed by ongoing legal and political aftershocks. Civil suits filed by her and Dhinakaran challenging AIADMK organisational decisions remain pending. Additionally, state-level actions related to disproportionate assets investigations, including confiscation of properties linked to her relatives, continue to cast a shadow over her political rehabilitation.These unresolved disputes ensure that her political comeback is being fought simultaneously in courtrooms, party structures, and public perception battles.There is no doubt that Amma nostalgia continues to influence Tamil Nadu’s political psyche. It is visible in welfare memory, symbolic politics, and emotional recall across sections of the electorate.But nostalgia is not a standalone vote bank. It requires organisational depth, leadership credibility, and electoral machinery to convert sentiment into seats.For Sasikala, the challenge is not simply invoking Amma’s legacy, it is proving she can operate outside it. The AIADMK is invoking Amma to protect itself. The DMK is countering it through governance. And Sasikala is attempting to claim it as an inheritance.In between lies the central question of Tamil Nadu politics today – can memory survive without machinery, and can machinery be rebuilt from memory alone?About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly‘Gross Injustice If Delayed’: PM Modi Seeks Backing for Women’s Reservation BillHow Secret Police Operation Uncovered Abuse, Coercion, Religious Pressure; Firm Promises ActionAfter Violent Noida Unrest, Uttar Pradesh Govt Raises Wages In Urgent Bid To Restore Calm And TrustNoida Violence Under Scanner As Probe Explores Pakistan Link, 350 People Arrested In CrackdownED Arrests I-Pac Co-Founder Vinesh Chandel; Big Blow To TMC Ahead Of Bengal PollsIndia Receives Iranian Crude After 7 Years Amid Looming US Hormuz Blockade CrisisVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral Ties123Photostories5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actressesThese places have the most eerie and bizarre natural formations10 mysteries hidden beneath the ocean floor that scientists still can’t explain8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D DeficiencyMumbai’s first closed-door local arrives, big safety shift on tracksThis is India’s leading milk-producing state: FSSAI’s general standards for milk composition and quality factorsWhy are wildlife enthusiasts heading to Jim Corbett National Park in April?Artemis II mission: Nasa unveils stunning images of Earth and Moon captured during historic flyby — In pics123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

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