Ex-CM And Expelled AIADMK Leader O Panneerselvam Joins DMK Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls

Tamil Nadu's political landscape witnesses a major shift as expelled All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader O. Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, joins the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The development comes just days before Tamil Nadu votes to elect members to its 234-seat Legislative Assembly, making the move politically significant.

A Veteran Leader With Long Experience

O. Panneerselvam, 75, has served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu three times. Known as a loyal supporter of former AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa, OPS played a key role in the party during her leadership.

After Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, AIADMK faced internal struggles. OPS and Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) became rivals in a battle for control of the party. The conflict led to a split within the organisation and weakened its unity.

Over time, OPS lost his hold over the party structure and was eventually expelled from AIADMK.

Likely to Contest From Bodinayakkanur

Panneerselvam is expected to contest the upcoming election from the Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency in Theni district. This seat has been a stronghold for him.

In the previous Assembly election, he won from Bodinayakkanur by securing over one lakh votes. He defeated DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan, who received 89,029 votes.
If OPS joins the DMK, it will mark a dramatic political shift, especially considering he previously defeated a DMK candidate from the same constituency.

Struggles After AIADMK Exit

After being sidelined within AIADMK, OPS tried to create an independent political space for himself. He launched separate campaigns and positioned himself as the true political heir of Jayalalithaa's legacy.

However, his faction did not gain large-scale support across the state. Without strong organisational backing, it became difficult for him to expand his influence.

This possible move to the DMK could be seen as an effort to regain political relevance before the crucial state elections.

Why This Move Matters for DMK

For the DMK, bringing OPS into its fold could strengthen its presence in southern Tamil Nadu. Panneerselvam has influence in parts of the Thevar-dominated belt, especially in Theni and surrounding districts.

His entry may help the DMK attract voters who were traditionally aligned with AIADMK. At the same time, it could further weaken AIADMK by dividing its support base and creating confusion among its cadres.

A Changing Political Equation

Tamil Nadu politics has often seen unexpected alliances and shifts. If OPS formally joins the DMK, it will signal a major change in the state's political equation ahead of the Assembly elections.
The coming days will clarify whether this move reshapes the electoral battle and how voters respond to this possible political realignment.