In a pivotal political move ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam (OPS), former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a long-time leader of the AIADMK, has joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). This significant development marks the culmination of a bitter internal feud within AIADMK and is set to reshape the state's political landscape. Panneerselvam’s switch to the ruling DMK is poised to weaken AIADMK’s influence, particularly in the southern regions, by splitting the Thevar vote base, which has historically been a strong support group for the party.
The Power Struggle within AIADMK
O Panneerselvam was once a loyalist of AIADMK's late leader J Jayalalithaa and served multiple terms as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister. However, after Jayalalithaa died in 2016, a fierce power struggle ensued within the party, with Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) locked in a bitter feud. This rivalry led to a split in the party, and Panneerselvam, who had been sidelined in recent years, was eventually expelled from AIADMK. Despite his attempts to maintain political relevance by forming a faction and running independent campaigns, his efforts failed to gain significant traction.
Shifting Allegiance: A Strategic Move to DMK
Panneerselvam’s decision to join the DMK under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin is viewed as a strategic maneuver to bolster the DMK’s presence in southern Tamil Nadu, where he holds significant influence. In his address, Panneerselvam sharply criticized EPS’s leadership, accusing him of arrogance and dictatorial practices. By joining the ruling party, Panneerselvam could potentially attract disgruntled cadres from AIADMK and further destabilize the party’s already fragmented support base.
Impact on DMK and Upcoming Elections
For the DMK, OPS’s entry presents a major opportunity to consolidate support, particularly among Thevar voters, a traditionally influential constituency in the region. Panneerselvam’s political stature and his loyalty to Jayalalithaa, coupled with his established presence in Tamil Nadu politics, add considerable weight to the DMK’s bid for re-election in 2026. His move could help DMK solidify its position in the southern regions, which will be crucial for securing a second consecutive term in power.
BJP’s Reaction and Political Backlash
The decision to switch sides has sparked strong reactions from the BJP, with Tamilisai Soundararajan, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu leader, accusing Panneerselvam of being ungrateful for abandoning his previous allies. BJP critics argue that OPS has undermined his former association with AIADMK and the BJP, while DMK supporters view this as a crucial political realignment that could tilt the electoral scales in favor of the ruling party.
