Tamil Nadu election 2026: Sarath Kumar flags lack of roles for him in BJP, voices concern over unfulfilled assurances

Actor-politician R. Sarath Kumar, who merged his All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2024, expressed concerns about his supporters and him not being given responsibilities in the party as promised.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Sunday (March 22, 2026) after holding a consultation meeting with his supporters, the 71-year-old leader said his supporters have been travelling with him for more than 30 years and have also expressed concern about him not being given any post in the party.

Mr. Kumar said since he joined the BJP, his supporters had been given 19 State-level office-bearer posts, while postings for 251 persons had been sought and only one-fourth of them had been granted. He said his supporters have been expressing concerns over how they could function in the party without being given responsibilities. “While expressing their concerns, they also told me why the Samathuva Makkal Katchi should not be revived,” he said.

He had already taken up this issue with the State leadership and would submit a written letter to both the National and State high command expressing the concerns. To a question on whether any promises regarding postings were given to him when he merged his AISMK with the BJP, Mr. Kumar said, “Assurances were given. They know it. Those have not been fulfilled yet. One can function only if a responsibility is given. They said I would be given responsibility at the national level.”

He hoped the party high command would consider the concerns. If his concerns were not addressed, he would hold talks with his followers and announce his position later. He presently had no intention to revive AISMK, he said adding his wife Radikaa Sarathkumar or he would not contest in the ensuing Assembly elections, even if offered a ticket.