Expelled AIADMK leader and three-time chief minister O Panneerselvam joins DMK

In a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu, expelled AIADMK leader and three time former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Friday formally joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the presence of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in Chennai.

Panneerselvam, widely known as OPS, was expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in 2022 after a bitter internal power struggle. For over three years, he attempted to return to his parent party, but those efforts failed. His move to the DMK now marks a dramatic political realignment in the state.

A trusted confidant of late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam had stepped into the Chief Minister’s role during crucial and sensitive political moments. Following Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, factionalism within the AIADMK intensified, eventually leading to his marginalisation and removal from the party.

On Friday, OPS joined the DMK along with his supporters, signalling a strategic crossover to a long time rival . Political observers believe the development could influence future electoral equations, especially given his past stature and influence among certain sections of voters.

His entry into the DMK underscores the continuing churn in Tamil Nadu politics , with potential implications for both the ruling party and the opposition landscape in the state.