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OPS Claims 1 Lakh Supporters Joining DMK Today, Slams EPS as "Dictator"

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced that approximately one lakh of his supporters will join the DMK at an induction ceremony in Madurai. He joined the DMK last week alongside his son, P Ravindhranath Kumar, after being expelled from the AIADMK. Panneerselvam sharply criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, calling him a "dictator" responsible for the party's weakened state. The move comes as the DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, prepares to campaign on the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' platform for the 2026 state assembly elections.

Key Points: O Panneerselvam: 1 Lakh Supporters Joining DMK in Madurai

  • OPS joins DMK with son
  • Alleges EPS is an AIADMK dictator
  • Credits Stalin for good governance
  • DMK pitches Dravidian Model 2.0 for 2026
2 min read

"Approx one lakh supporters going to join DMK today": O Panneerselvam

Former TN CM O Panneerselvam announces massive DMK induction, joins party with son, and accuses AIADMK's EPS of being a dictator ahead of 2026 polls.

"Approx one lakh supporters going to join DMK today": O Panneerselvam
"Approximately one lakh supporters are going to join the DMK in the joining ceremony being held today. - O Panneerselvam"

Madurai, March 7

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Saturday announced that around one lakh supporters will be joining the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the event at Thirumangalam, Madurai, today.

After inspecting the event venue, Panneerselvam, who joined DMK just last week ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, said that Chief Minister MK Stalin will grace the induction ceremony. The former Tamil Nadu CM was expelled from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) earlier.

"Approximately one lakh supporters are going to join the DMK in the joining ceremony being held today," he said.

Last week, Panneerselvam joined DMK in the presence of party chief and Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai. His son, P Ravindhranath Kumar, also joined DMK ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

Panneerselvam asserted that he has, with "full joy", become a part of the DMK and alleged that AIADMK general secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami was acting as a "dictator" within the party.

OPS emphasised that he had joined DMK to put a full stop to his "bitter experience".

"The decision I've taken is my own, to put a fullstop to the bitter experience for me. I thank CM and DMK President Stalin for accepting me to join DMK. I have joined DMK with full joy. EPS is behaving as a dictator, and he has created a situation where AIADMK cannot get victory hereafter," Panneerselvam told media persons here.

He further stated that EPS has made sure that no leader from the southern part of the country becomes strong. He also credited CM Stalin for providing good governance within Tamil Nadu.

OPS added that DMK is working towards making the "Dravidian Model" strong and said that he would work towards the party's development.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026, where the MK Stalin-led alliance will look to project the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' for the win against the BJP-AIADMK alliance.

DMK is looking forward to retaining power in the state, while pitching 'Dravidian Model 2.0' and posing Dravidian ideology as a plank against the BJP-AIADMK alliance.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Tamilian, I'm tired of these leaders switching sides. They talk about ideology, but it's all about power. First, it was OPS vs EPS, now OPS with Stalin. What about the people's welfare? 🤔 Focus on governance, not these ceremonies.
A
Arjun K
If this brings stability and helps DMK's Dravidian Model 2.0, then it's good for Tamil Nadu. We need a strong state government to counter the BJP's central influence. OPS's experience could be valuable.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to watch Tamil Nadu politics from outside. The Dravidian model seems to have strong local support. This consolidation might make the 2026 election very one-sided unless the opposition gets its act together.
K
Karthik V
OPS calling EPS a dictator is rich! He was part of the same system for decades. This "bitter experience" only started when he lost power. Voters are not fools. They will remember who stood for what. 😐
M
Meera T
The real story is his son also joining. It's about securing political futures. Hope this merger leads to better coordination for development projects in Madurai and southern districts. They need more attention.

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