O Panneerselvam Joins DMK in Major Tamil Nadu Political Realignment

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam Joins DMK

Chennai, India – In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) officially joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party on Friday, February 27, 2026. The induction took place at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, in the presence of DMK President and current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Panneerselvam's son, P. Ravindranath Kumar, and other key supporters also joined the party, signaling a notable realignment of political forces in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Background to the Political Shift

O Panneerselvam, a three-time former Chief Minister and five-time MLA, had a long and prominent career within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), where he was known as a staunch loyalist of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. However, his relationship with the AIADMK fractured following a leadership tussle with Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), which ultimately led to his expulsion from the party in 2022. This expulsion paved the way for his recent decision to align with the DMK.

Statements and Implications

Following his induction, Panneerselvam expressed his happiness at joining the DMK, referring to it as the 'parent party' founded by 'Perarignar' Anna. He also lauded Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's leadership, stating that 'The entire country is closely watching the leadership of CM M.K. Stalin. He has set the grammar for how to run a political party.' Panneerselvam further criticized his former colleague, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, asserting that 'EPS's arrogance and high-handed use of political power have created a situation where the AIADMK can never win polls. He is running the party in a dictatorial manner, and the AIADMK is heading towards doom.'

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin warmly welcomed Panneerselvam, describing him as 'my dear brother' and an 'affectionate, cultured, and humble person.' Stalin emphasized the significance of the upcoming 2026 Assembly election, framing it as a 'democratic battle between Tamil Nadu and the fascist BJP,' and noted that various democratic forces are joining the DMK-led alliance. Panneerselvam had resigned his MLA post prior to joining the DMK.

Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Elections

This move is widely regarded by political analysts as a significant realignment in Tamil Nadu politics, with potential implications for caste and regional equations, particularly in the southern districts where Panneerselvam maintains considerable support. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled for elections in the first half of 2026, and the DMK-led alliance is expected to campaign on its 'Dravidian Model 2.0' platform. The entry of Panneerselvam into the DMK is anticipated to further consolidate the party's position and influence across the state.