NewKerala.com

OPS Likely to Join DMK, Shaking Up Tamil Nadu's Political Chessboard

Expelled AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam is reportedly set to join the DMK ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This move follows public praise for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin from an MLA in OPS's camp, who predicted Stalin's return to power. The 2026 election is shaping up to be a three-way contest involving the DMK-led alliance, the BJP-AIADMK alliance, and actor Vijay's new party. The DMK aims to secure another term by projecting its 'Dravidian Model 2.0' governance.

Key Points: O Panneerselvam May Join DMK Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls

  • OPS likely to join DMK
  • MLA's praise for CM Stalin & Breakfast Scheme
  • 2026 polls set for three-way contest
  • DMK eyes 'Dravidian Model 2.0' victory
2 min read

Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam likely to join DMK

Expelled AIADMK leader and former CM O Panneerselvam is reportedly set to join the DMK, potentially reshaping the 2026 Tamil Nadu election dynamics.

"In the upcoming election, M.K. Stalin should once again win and return as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. - MLA P Ayyappan"

Chennai, February 27

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam is likely to join Dravida Munnetra Kazagham on Friday ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu elections, sources said.

This move follows recent praise by the OPS camp for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and prediction related to return of DMK government in the state.

Earlier on Friday, Tamil Nadu MLA P Ayyappan, who is seen as part of former CM O Paneerselvam's camp, expressed his desire to see M. Stalin lead the state again following the next assembly polls.Ayyappan stated in the Assembly that M K Stalin must once again become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With the blessings of Puratchi Thalaivar M. G.

Ramachandran and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma J. Jayalalithaa, and with the good wishes of our elder brother O. Panneerselvam, I extend my thanks.

He further said, "The Breakfast Scheme was introduced with a visionary outlook. For small children's who come to primary schools, the Chief Minister provides hot meals like a mother."

"Those who once raised slogans claiming that the Chief Minister had merely given Rs 5,000 are nowhere to be seen today. As long as Tamil Nadu exists, the Breakfast Scheme will continue to praise the Chief Minister. In the upcoming election, M.K. Stalin should once again win and return as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With the blessings of Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, and with the wishes of our elder brother O. Panneerselvam, I express my gratitude at this moment," Ayyappan added.

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.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's entry with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to turn the Tamil Nadu polls into a three-way contest.

In the 2021 polls, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others won eight seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by DMK, which consisted of Congress, won 159 seats collectively. While the NDA won 75 seats, the AIADMK emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The breakfast scheme is genuinely a good initiative. If OPS joining strengthens such welfare programs, maybe it's for the best. But the constant party-hopping by leaders is disappointing. Voters deserve more stability.
A
Aryan P
AIADMK is crumbling from within. First Sasikala, now OPS. The BJP alliance hasn't helped them either. DMK seems to be playing smart by welcoming disgruntled leaders. 2026 will be very interesting with Vijay's party too!
S
Sarah B
Reading from abroad, Tamil Nadu politics is fascinating. The references to MGR and Jayalalithaa's "blessings" for the current CM show how legacy is everything there. Ayyappan's speech was pure political theatre.
K
Karthik V
As a Tamilian, I feel this is just opportunistic politics. OPS has no base left after leaving AIADMK. DMK is giving him a lifeline to weaken the opposition further. The real focus should be on governance, not these dramas.
M
Meera T
Whatever the political moves, I hope the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' brings more development and jobs for our youth. That's what matters most. 🤞 The three-way contest might actually make parties work harder for votes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50