O Panneerselvam joins rival DMK ahead of Assembly polls
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin today ahead of the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
A three-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and a longstanding aide of J Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 following an intense power struggle with Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).
Panneerselvam was seen leaving a hotel earlier today before reaching the DMK office, where he joined the party.
Before Panneerselvam’s arrival, his son Raveendran was also seen reaching the DMK headquarters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin arrived shortly after to welcome OPS.
Meanwhile, MK Stalin said that Panneerselvam has “joined the mother organisation,” the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and welcomed him “with open arms.” He praised Panneerselvam as someone who carries the name of a great Dravidian leader and has now joined the movement to safeguard its ideology.
In a post on X, “Former Chief Minister and dear brother Thiru. O. Panneerselvam has joined the mother organization, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. I welcome him with open arms.”
“The 2026 Assembly election is a democratic battle between Tamil Nadu and the fascist BJP. It is with this realization that various democratic forces are joining the DMK alliance. Our brother who has joined us, Thiru. O. Panneerselvam, is a loving person, a virtuous person, a humble person! May his arrival be for the welfare! May Tamil Nadu triumph,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Panneerselvam had offered to quit politics if his mistakes were proven.
Without naming AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, the former CM criticised the recent amendments to the party by-laws for the selection of the General Secretary, a framework established by party founder M G Ramachandran.