(Image source from: Thehindu.com)
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and ousted AIADMK member O Panneerselvam (OPS) joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) today in front of Chief Minister MK Stalin as the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach. Panneerselvam, who has served as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister three times and has been a close supporter of J Jayalalithaa, was removed from the AIADMK in 2022 after a fierce struggle for power with Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). Earlier today, he was seen leaving a hotel before arriving at the DMK office to officially become a member of the party. Before Panneerselvam's entry, his son Raveendran was spotted at the DMK headquarters. Soon after, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin came to greet OPS. In the meantime, MK Stalin mentioned that Panneerselvam has "joined the original organization," the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and welcomed him "with great warmth. " He commended Panneerselvam as someone who represents a respected Dravidian leader and has now become part of the initiative to protect its principles.
In a message on X, he said, "Former Chief Minister and beloved brother Thiru. O. Panneerselvam has joined the main organization, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. I greet him warmly. " He added, "The 2026 Assembly election is a democratic fight between Tamil Nadu and the authoritarian BJP. It is with this understanding that many democratic groups are coming together in the DMK alliance. Our brother who has joined us, Thiru. O. Panneerselvam, is a caring man, a good person, and a modest person! May his joining us bring benefits! May Tamil Nadu succeed. " Earlier on Tuesday, Panneerselvam stated he would step away from politics if his errors were proved. Without mentioning AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami directly, he criticized the recent changes made to the party rules regarding the selection of the General Secretary, rules originally set by party founder M G Ramachandran.
Speaking to the media, he said, "When the Revolutionary Leader (M G Ramachandran) founded this party and wrote down these rules, who has the right to alter them? I have raised this issue, and it is now being reviewed in court. " Panneerselvam recalled being told by the AIADMK leadership not to display the party flag or wear the party dhoti, stating, "I have served as a legislator. I have been a Chief Minister. I have also worked as the party's coordinator. What did I do wrong? Have I ever harmed a party worker? If anyone can clearly explain what I did wrong, I will exit politics. " After paying respects to the image of AIADMK leader and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on the occasion of her 78th birthday, Panneerselvam dismissed the idea of starting a new political party.
Tamil Nadu's Assembly, which has 234 members, is expected to hold elections in the first half of 2026. The alliance led by Stalin is likely to promote its "Dravidian Model 2.0" during the campaign. The current ruling group will be challenged by the BJP-AIADMK alliance, which is working to regain support after facing some disagreements within. The political scene is also changing with the entrance of actor-turned-politician Vijay, whose new party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to create a three-way competition. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK won 133 seats, while its partners boosted the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) total to 159 seats. The NDA coalition managed to win 75 seats, with the AIADMK being its most powerful member, taking 66 seats.
