O Panneerselvam Joins DMK Ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

In a major political development ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam has officially joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The move comes after his expulsion from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and years of internal power struggle within the party.

Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, was formally inducted into the DMK by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at the party headquarters in Chennai, in the presence of senior leaders and ministers.

Strategic Boost for DMK

For the DMK, OPS’s entry is being seen as a calculated political move aimed at strengthening its position in southern Tamil Nadu. Panneerselvam holds considerable influence in the Thevar-dominated belt, a region that has traditionally played a decisive role in state politics.

Political observers believe his switch could dent AIADMK’s support base by splitting the Thevar vote and attracting cadres dissatisfied with the current leadership. With elections approaching, such realignments could reshape the electoral battlefield in Tamil Nadu.

OPS’s Political Journey

A three-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a close aide of former AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam found himself at the centre of a fierce leadership battle after her death in 2016.

His rivalry with Edappadi K. Palaniswami led to a split within the AIADMK. Over time, OPS lost organisational control and was eventually expelled from the party following prolonged internal disputes.

After being sidelined, he attempted to maintain political relevance through his AIADMK Workers Retrieval Organisation, projecting himself as the rightful political heir to Jayalalithaa. However, his faction struggled to gain significant ground.

Reconciliation Attempts Failed

In recent months, OPS had signalled openness to reuniting with AIADMK ahead of the 2026 polls, even referring to Palaniswami as his “elder brother.” However, AIADMK leadership firmly rejected any possibility of his return.

Notably, Panneerselvam had publicly praised the governance of the current DMK administration and hinted that the party stood a strong chance of retaining power. He had also met Chief Minister Stalin multiple times, fueling speculation about a possible political shift.

His decision to join the DMK marks a dramatic turnaround and underscores the fluid nature of Tamil Nadu politics as parties prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections.

With this move, the political equations in the state are likely to witness renewed competition, especially in southern constituencies where OPS continues to command influence.