O Panneerselvam Joins DMK Before Tamil Nadu Polls

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) months before the next state Assembly election, marking a significant political shift in southern India.

Mr Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in 2022, formally entered the DMK in Chennai on Friday in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, according to India’s Press Trust of India news agency.

A Shift in Party Lines

The move brings together two leaders from parties that have long been political rivals in Tamil Nadu, a state where regional parties dominate electoral politics.

Mr Panneerselvam, often known by his initials OPS, was once a close associate of the late AIADMK leader and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He served multiple terms as chief minister, including as interim leader following her death in 2016.

He was expelled from the AIADMK after a protracted leadership struggle with Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is currently the party’s general secretary and serves as leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

The internal conflict led to major structural changes within the AIADMK. In July 2022, the party’s general council abolished its dual leadership system and appointed Mr Palaniswami as the sole head of the organisation. Mr Panneerselvam was removed from key posts, including that of treasurer, on grounds of alleged anti-party activities.

Speaking to reporters after joining the DMK, Mr Panneerselvam sharply criticised Mr Palaniswami’s leadership. According to the Press Trust of India and ANI news agency, he described his former colleague as “autocratic” and “arrogant”, and alleged that his leadership had weakened the party’s electoral prospects.

He said Mr Palaniswami had created conditions in which the AIADMK could no longer expect victory in future elections. He also accused him of sidelining leaders from southern districts of the state.

Praise for DMK Leadership

Mr Panneerselvam thanked Chief Minister M K Stalin for welcoming him into the DMK. He said he had joined the party “with absolute joy” and would abide by the chief minister’s direction.

He added that Mr Stalin understood public needs and implemented welfare measures without discrimination. “There is no party that can oppose the DMK today,” he said, according to ANI.

Mr Stalin, who is also president of the DMK, said he welcomed Mr Panneerselvam “with open arms”.

Mr Panneerselvam’s son, P Ravindranath Kumar, a former Member of Parliament, also joined the DMK alongside his father.

Political Context in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu’s politics has for decades been dominated by two Dravidian parties – the DMK and the AIADMK – which alternate in power. The rivalry dates back to the 1970s and is rooted in regional identity, social justice movements and welfare-based governance.

The AIADMK was founded by actor-turned-politician M G Ramachandran after he split from the DMK. Later, J Jayalalithaa became one of its most prominent leaders and served several terms as chief minister. Following her death, the party has faced internal divisions and leadership disputes.

The posts of coordinator and joint coordinator in the AIADMK were created in 2017 after the party conferred the honorary title of “eternal general secretary” on Ms Jayalalithaa. Mr Panneerselvam served as coordinator, while Mr Palaniswami held the post of joint coordinator.

Supporters of Mr Panneerselvam opposed the abolition of these positions, arguing that the change undermined the party structure established in the aftermath of Ms Jayalalithaa’s leadership.

Electoral Implications

The development comes ahead of the next Tamil Nadu Assembly election, expected within months. The DMK, led by Mr Stalin, currently governs the state, while the AIADMK remains the principal opposition party.

Analysts say Mr Panneerselvam’s move could influence voting patterns in certain regions, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu, where he has historically enjoyed support.

However, it remains unclear how much electoral weight he retains following his expulsion from the AIADMK and the consolidation of power by Mr Palaniswami.

For the DMK, the induction of a former chief minister from a rival party signals an attempt to broaden its political base before the polls. For the AIADMK, it represents another chapter in an ongoing period of internal turbulence.

Neither the AIADMK nor Mr Palaniswami has yet issued a detailed response to Mr Panneerselvam’s latest remarks.

As campaigning intensifies, the real impact of this political realignment is likely to be tested at the ballot box.