The O Panneerselvam joins DMK latest news has triggered major political discussions across southern India, particularly as the state prepares for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 news. The political development became a significant talking point after former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam officially joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Chennai.

During his first interaction with the media after joining the party, Panneerselvam launched a strong attack on Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the current leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He described Palaniswami as a dictator and arrogant leader, claiming that his style of leadership has weakened the AIADMK and created a situation where the party might struggle to win future elections.

The OPS joins DMK latest news therefore marks a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu politics and is likely to influence the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.

O Panneerselvam Officially Joins DMK

The political development unfolded in Chennai where O Panneerselvam joined the DMK in the presence of top party leadership.

The joining ceremony was attended by M. K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Udhayanidhi Stalin, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister.

The event marked a major moment in the DMK political developments Tamil Nadu, as Panneerselvam had previously been one of the most prominent leaders of the rival AIADMK.

After formally joining the party, Panneerselvam expressed gratitude to Chief Minister MK Stalin for giving him an opportunity to work within the DMK.

He said that joining the party was an emotional moment for him and described the decision as a step toward ending a long and bitter political experience.

OPS Criticises Palaniswami’s Leadership

Soon after joining the DMK, Panneerselvam delivered a sharp criticism of Edappadi K Palaniswami AIADMK news.

He accused Palaniswami of adopting an autocratic leadership style, which he believes has damaged the internal unity of the AIADMK.

According to Panneerselvam, the AIADMK under Palaniswami has reached a stage where the possibility of electoral victory has become extremely difficult.

He told reporters that Palaniswami’s leadership has created a situation of “no victory for the AIADMK in future elections.”

The statement has intensified the OPS vs EPS political news, which has been dominating Tamil Nadu politics for the past few years.

Panneerselvam further alleged that Palaniswami has been trying to prevent leaders from southern regions of the state from becoming politically influential, which has contributed to internal conflicts within the party.

Praise for MK Stalin and DMK Governance

While criticising his former party leadership, Panneerselvam also praised the current government led by MK Stalin.

He said that the Chief Minister is providing good governance to the people of Tamil Nadu, adding that citizens are observing the work of the DMK government.

Panneerselvam emphasised that he joined the DMK to support the Dravidian movement and strengthen the party’s ideological foundation.

Despite being a former Chief Minister himself, he stated that he has joined the party simply as a cadre, indicating his willingness to work under the DMK leadership structure.

The statement highlights how the DMK political developments Tamil Nadu are continuing to reshape alliances and rivalries ahead of the upcoming elections.

A Long Political Journey With AIADMK

For decades, O Panneerselvam was closely associated with the AIADMK political crisis Tamil Nadu narrative.

He was once considered one of the most trusted leaders of J. Jayalalithaa, the legendary AIADMK leader who dominated Tamil Nadu politics for many years.

Panneerselvam served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu three times, often stepping into the role during periods of political transition within the party.

His loyalty to Jayalalithaa earned him significant respect among AIADMK supporters.

However, the political landscape changed dramatically after Jayalalithaa’s death, leading to internal power struggles within the party.

Conflict Between OPS and EPS

The rivalry between O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami has been one of the most significant political battles within the AIADMK.

After Jayalalithaa’s passing, the party witnessed leadership disputes and factional divisions.

At one stage, Panneerselvam openly challenged Palaniswami’s leadership and began campaigning against him.

This confrontation escalated tensions within the party and eventually led to Panneerselvam being expelled from the AIADMK.

The expulsion marked a turning point in the AIADMK political crisis Tamil Nadu, as one of the party’s most senior leaders found himself outside the organisation he had served for decades.

Attempts at Reconciliation

Interestingly, in recent months, the OPS vs EPS political news had taken a different turn.

Panneerselvam had softened his stance against Palaniswami and indicated that he was willing to accept Palaniswami’s leadership if it meant reunifying the party.

However, Palaniswami rejected this possibility.

He publicly stated that all doors were closed for Panneerselvam to return to the AIADMK.

This firm rejection appears to have played a key role in pushing Panneerselvam toward the DMK.

The decision ultimately resulted in the dramatic OPS joins DMK latest news development.

Impact on Tamil Nadu Politics

The entry of O Panneerselvam into the DMK could potentially reshape political dynamics in the state.

As a leader who once commanded strong support within AIADMK ranks, his move may influence voter perception and political alignments.

Analysts believe the development could affect:

• AIADMK’s traditional vote base

• DMK’s political strategy

• Election campaigning narratives

The move also intensifies political rivalry between the DMK and AIADMK, two parties that have dominated Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026

The political development comes at a crucial time as the state prepares for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 news.

The elections will determine the next government in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

According to political observers, the elections are likely to take place in April or May 2026.

These elections will not occur in isolation.

They are expected to be held simultaneously with elections in:

• West Bengal

• Kerala

• Assam

• Puducherry

Because of the scale and political importance of these elections, developments such as OPS joining the DMK are likely to play a significant role in shaping campaign strategies.

A Major Moment Ahead of Elections

The OPS joins DMK latest news is therefore more than just a party-switching story.

It represents a major moment in the evolving Tamil Nadu politics latest news landscape.

By joining the DMK and criticising the AIADMK leadership, Panneerselvam has added a new dimension to the political contest ahead of the elections.

The coming months will reveal whether this development significantly impacts voter sentiment and electoral outcomes.

Conclusion

The decision by O Panneerselvam to join the DMK marks a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 news.

His criticism of Edappadi K Palaniswami, whom he described as a dictator, has further intensified the ongoing AIADMK political crisis Tamil Nadu.

At the same time, his support for MK Stalin’s government signals a new chapter in his political journey.

As the election season approaches, the OPS vs EPS political news and the broader DMK political developments Tamil Nadu are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative of the state.

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