O Panneerselvam joins DMK ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly polls, political equations shift

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday. His move reshaped the state’s political landscape months before the Assembly elections.

Chief Minister M K Stalin inducted Panneerselvam at the party headquarters in Chennai. Senior ministers attended the event. Sources said the DMK may field him from the Bodi Mettu constituency in Theni, his stronghold in southern Tamil Nadu.

From AIADMK Loyalist to DMK Leader

For years, Panneerselvam stood as a loyalist of late AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa. However, after her death in 2016, he entered a bitter power struggle with Edappadi K Palaniswami. The rivalry split the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and weakened its internal structure.

Eventually, the party expelled Panneerselvam. He then launched independent campaigns under the AIADMK Workers Retrieval Organisation. He claimed he carried forward Jayalalithaa’s legacy. However, his faction failed to gain wide political ground.

Talks, Strategy and Southern Calculations

In recent weeks, Panneerselvam held several rounds of talks with DMK leaders. Minister P K Sekar Babu facilitated the final meeting before the induction.

For the DMK, his entry serves a clear strategy. The party aims to consolidate support in southern Tamil Nadu, especially in the Thevar-dominated belt where Panneerselvam holds influence. Analysts believe the move could divide the AIADMK’s traditional vote base in that region.

Meanwhile, AIADMK faces fresh pressure. The development may attract dissatisfied cadres and weaken its ground network in the south.

Sharp Attack on EPS

After joining the DMK, Panneerselvam addressed the media. He directly attacked Edappadi K Palaniswami. He accused him of arrogance and dictatorial functioning. He claimed that such leadership had pushed the AIADMK toward decline.

He also praised M K Stalin’s governance. He said Tamil Nadu had witnessed stable administration under the current government.

Earlier, Panneerselvam had expressed willingness to reunite with the AIADMK before the 2026 elections. He even referred to Palaniswami as his “elder brother.” However, EPS firmly rejected reconciliation. He ruled out any possibility of readmitting him.

BJP Reaction and Alliance Fallout

Before this shift, Panneerselvam had distanced himself from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Last year, his faction exited the alliance.

Sources said he felt unhappy with the Bharatiya Janata Party. He reportedly believed that the BJP failed to mediate between him and Palaniswami. He also felt the party did not extend meaningful political support.

Reacting to his move, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan downplayed its impact. She called his decision ungrateful. She said the NDA would not suffer any setback. She added that voters would judge the move politically.

Election Season Heats Up

Tamil Nadu will hold Assembly elections before May. As the campaign season approaches, political alignments continue to shift.

With Panneerselvam’s entry, the DMK strengthens its outreach in the south. At the same time, the AIADMK faces renewed internal strain.

Therefore, this development sets the stage for a sharper contest. Parties now recalibrate strategies as Tamil Nadu moves closer to the polls.