Former AIADMK leader OPS switches sides, aligns with DMK in presence of CM M K Stalin

Former three-time Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday formally joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the presence of party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin , marking a major political shift in the state’s opposition landscape.

Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS and a longtime confidant of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa , had earlier served as AIADMK treasurer and party coordinator before being expelled from the party in 2022. After spending more than three years attempting unsuccessfully to return to his former political home, he chose to align with its principal rival.

He was accompanied into the DMK by his son, P. Ravindhranath Kumar , and several supporters. Panneerselvam had also briefly held the position of Leader of the Opposition following the DMK’s return to power in 2006.

Speaking to reporters after joining the DMK, Panneerselvam expressed satisfaction with his decision and launched a sharp attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami , accusing him of authoritarian leadership and arrogance. He alleged that the current style of functioning within the AIADMK had weakened the party’s prospects and created a situation where electoral success had become increasingly unlikely.

Reflecting on his expulsion from the AIADMK, Panneerselvam said he was no longer focused on past developments and would follow the guidance of Chief Minister Stalin in his new political role.

He praised the DMK government for its welfare initiatives, stating that Stalin understood the needs of the people and implemented schemes without discrimination across social and economic groups. Panneerselvam also rejected earlier claims that he had branded the DMK as an adversarial force.

Claiming that the present political environment strongly favoured the ruling party, he said no single opposition party was currently in a position to mount an effective challenge against the DMK in Tamil Nadu.