In a dramatic political move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam formally joined the DMK in Chennai in the presence of MK Stalin, marking a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, second right, with others, welcomes former chief minister O Panneerselvam in DMK. (Pic/PTI)
In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, former Chief Minister and senior AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) formally joined the DMK on Friday. Panneerselvam joined the DMK in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai.
As reported by news agency IANS, Panneerselvam, who had been expelled from the AIADMK amid an intense internal power struggle, had subsequently launched the AIADMK Volunteers’ Rights Recovery Committee and began functioning independently.
Despite several attempts to re-enter the AIADMK fold, his efforts were firmly rejected by party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), who publicly clarified that there was no possibility of Panneerselvam being readmitted into the party.
However, in the last few years, political observers had noted a gradual thaw in relations between Panneerselvam and the DMK leadership.
Earlier on July 3, 2025, during a padayatra, Panneerselvam met Chief Minister Stalin and later visited his residence the same evening to enquire about his well-being.
The meeting then sparked speculation about a potential political realignment. Subsequently, on the final day of the recent interim budget session on February 20, Panneerselvam again met the Chief Minister, further fuelling rumours of an impending shift.
Panneerselvam puts an end to all the speculations
Putting an end to weeks of speculation, Panneerselvam arrived at Anna Arivalayam along with his supporters and formally enrolled himself as a member of the DMK.
Upon his arrival, Chief Minister Stalin welcomed OPS into the party in what is being viewed as a major realignment in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Panneerselvam’s entry into DMK might have ripple effects
Panneerselvam, a three-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2001-2002, 2014-2015, and 2016-2017) and long-time confidant of the late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, has played a pivotal role in state politics for over two decades.
His entry into the DMK is likely to have ripple effects within the AIADMK and could influence caste and regional equations, particularly in the southern districts where he enjoys considerable support.
Political analysts say the move signals a strategic consolidation by the ruling DMK while marking a dramatic chapter in the evolving power dynamics of Tamil Nadu politics.
(With inputs from IANS)
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