Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday, marking a significant development in the state’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
He was inducted into the party in the presence of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
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Earlier in the day, Panneerselvam met MK Stalin at the Secretariat Assembly premises and greeted him.
OPS Hints at Political Shift Before Formal Move
Before officially joining the DMK, Panneerselvam had downplayed speculation around his meeting with Stalin. Speaking to reporters, he said he met the Chief Minister to greet him upon completion of five years in office.
When asked about his supporter P Ayyappan — the Usilampatti legislator — praising Stalin’s governance and expressing hope that he would return as Chief Minister, Panneerselvam said, “he echoed the people’s sentiments.”
To a direct question on whether he endorsed those views, OPS stated that “the DMK has a chance to win the 2026 Assembly election and form the government for the second time.”
“The present political situation is like that. The achievements of the Chief Minister are deeply imprinted in the minds of the people based on the five-year good governance. The DMK has a chance to come back to power,” he said.
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At the time, when asked whether he would join the DMK, Panneerselvam had responded, “be patient.”
EPS Rejects OPS’ Return to AIADMK
Meanwhile, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) categorically rejected any possibility of Panneerselvam rejoining the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
“There is no chance of admitting OPS into the AIADMK,” EPS had said earlier, reiterating his stand taken in January as well.
He had also stated that Union Minister Amit Shah assured him there would be no interference in the AIADMK’s internal affairs. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains an ally of the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
From Power Struggle to Expulsion
The political journey between OPS and EPS has been turbulent since the death of AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa in 2016.
In 2017, Panneerselvam revolted, alleging he was forced to resign as Chief Minister and accusing leaders close to V. K. Sasikala of sidelining him. EPS subsequently consolidated his position with majority support within the party.
In July 2022, Panneerselvam was expelled as AIADMK treasurer and primary member for “anti-party” activities.
Later, in November 2023, the Madras High Court granted an interim injunction restraining him from claiming to be the party’s coordinator or even a primary member.
2026 Elections: A Strategic Move?
OPS’ entry into the DMK comes at a time when political alignments in Tamil Nadu are under close watch. His move could influence voter dynamics, particularly in southern districts where he retains a support base.
With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the development signals a reshaping of alliances and rivalries in the state’s Dravidian political space.
