O Panneerselvam Poised to Join DMK in Major Political Shift
In a significant development in Tamil Nadu politics, expelled AIADMK leader and three-time former chief minister O Panneerselvam, aged 75, is reportedly set to join the DMK on Friday. Multiple sources have confirmed this move, which could reshape the political landscape ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Seat Allocation and Strategic Moves
The DMK is likely to offer Panneerselvam a seat to contest, with Bodinayakkanur in Theni being a strong possibility. This constituency holds personal significance for OPS, as he secured victory there in the 2021 assembly elections. However, internal party dynamics may influence the final decision, as there are other contenders within the DMK for the Bodinayakkanur seat. A senior DMK leader hinted that he might be assigned an alternative seat in the same region to accommodate party interests.
Background of Political Struggles
O Panneerselvam has been engaged in prolonged and unsuccessful legal battles, both in courts and before the Election Commission of India, in an effort to regain control or at least re-enter the AIADMK. His decision to join the DMK comes after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed another expelled leader, T T V Dhinakaran of the AMMK, into the NDA fold. EPS had made it clear that he would not reinstate OPS, leaving the latter with limited options.
The formal joining ceremony is expected to take place at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters, in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin. This event marks a pivotal moment, as OPS transitions from a rival to an ally within the state's dominant political force.
Recent Developments and Support Base
In recent months, Panneerselvam's supporters, including R Vaithilingam and Paul Manoj Pandian, resigned from their MLA posts and joined the DMK, signaling a gradual shift in allegiance. OPS himself withdrew from the NDA in August, citing perceived insults from the BJP camp. Four months later, he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express his stance that he would not rejoin the NDA unless the AIADMK factions were unified.
During a recent interaction, OPS revealed that Amit Shah had informed him the DMK alliance is sufficiently strong to defeat a divided AIADMK. "I pleaded with him to bring together the groups and unify the party," OPS stated. "He (Shah) said he had tried to persuade (EPS) but he (EPS) wouldn't listen ... Shall I join the Sankara mutt?" This conversation underscored the political impasse that led to his current decision.
Personal and Political Considerations
Sources close to OPS indicate that the decision to join the DMK was not taken lightly. Some of his relatives expressed reservations about aligning with the rival party. However, aides explained that he viewed it as a necessary step under the circumstances. "He wants to take on Palaniswami," one aide noted. "He can do it only when he joins a powerful force like the DMK. It is, after all, our parent party." This reference highlights the historical ties, as the AIADMK originated from the DMK, adding a layer of complexity to the move.
Historical Context and Past Roles
O Panneerselvam's political journey has been marked by highs and lows. He was chosen as stand-in chief minister twice by then AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa—in 2001 and 2014—during her legal challenges. Following Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, he briefly served as chief minister but lost the position within months due to internal power struggles. He later held roles as deputy chief minister and joint coordinator of the AIADMK, but growing differences with EPS culminated in his expulsion in July 2022, after EPS amended party bylaws to eliminate the dual leadership structure.
Electoral Performance and Future Prospects
In the 2024 general election, Panneerselvam contested as an independent candidate from Ramanathapuram while being an NDA ally. He secured a respectable second place with 3.42 lakh votes, demonstrating his enduring voter appeal. As he prepares to join the DMK, political analysts are closely watching how this alliance will impact the upcoming assembly elections, particularly in regions like Theni where he has a established support base.
The integration of OPS into the DMK fold is expected to bolster the party's strategy against the AIADMK, potentially swaying voter sentiment in key constituencies. With the assembly elections looming, this move could prove decisive in the battle for political dominance in Tamil Nadu.
