Tamil Actor-Politician Sarath Kumar Merges AISMK with BJP Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

In an unexpected political development in Tamil Nadu, politician and actor R. Sarath Kumar, founder of the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), has officially merged his party with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This development follows closely on the heels of the AISMK's alliance announcement with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The formal merger was announced in the presence of BJP leaders, including the State President K. Annamalai and party in-charge of the state Union Minister Arvind Menon.

Explaining the reasons behind the merger at a press conference on Tuesday, Sarath Kumar discussed the challenges and frustrations associated with the constant seat-sharing negotiations and the speculation about political alliances that AISMK faced every election season.

Sarath Kumar said he began to wonder if the constant formation of alliances and seat negotiations during elections were the sole components of politics and the reason behind the inception of his party.

He wondered if the focus shouldn't rather be on improving the lives of the people. This led him to think about aligning with Prime Minister Modi's approach to governance.


After sharing his thoughts with his wife, who supported his decision unequivocally, Sarath Kumar said he reached out to the BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai and the latter welcomed it.

Sarath Kumar, 69, began his political journey as a Rajya Sabha member with the DMK in 2001, and later joined the AIADMK, before launching the AISMK in 2007.

Welcoming the actor into the party, Annamalai hinted at a national role for the actor in the party. .- TWL Bureau