O Panneerselvam Makes Dramatic Political Shift, Joins DMK in Chennai
In a striking display of political transformation, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam executed a symbolic gesture on Friday, replacing a photograph of his late mentor J Jayalalithaa with one of Chief Minister M K Stalin in his car. This carefully timed act occurred moments before he formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party headquarters in Chennai, underscoring a dramatic shift in allegiance for the three-time former Chief Minister.
A Decisive Break from Political Past
The image of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa had long occupied pride of place on Panneerselvam's vehicle dashboard, representing years of unwavering loyalty. Its removal signalled a decisive break from his political heritage as he arrived at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters. This visual statement marked the culmination of a protracted leadership struggle within the AIADMK that ultimately reshaped the party's internal power structure.
Inducted in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin, Panneerselvam declared his commitment to work for the party as a cadre, marking a significant realignment in Tamil Nadu's political landscape ahead of the forthcoming 2026 Assembly elections. "I have joined the DMK. I will work and support the DMK as a cadre," Panneerselvam told reporters shortly after his formal induction ceremony.
Stalin Welcomes "Dear Brother" to DMK Fold
Welcoming the former chief minister into the party fold, Stalin described Panneerselvam as a "dear brother" and praised his humility and virtues in a social media post. "Former Chief Minister and dear brother Thiru. O. Panneerselvam has joined the mother organisation, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. I welcome him with open arms," Stalin stated on platform X.
The DMK president framed the development within the context of the next Assembly election, emphasizing: "The 2026 Assembly election is a democratic battle between Tamil Nadu and the fascist BJP. It is with this realisation that various democratic forces are joining the DMK alliance." Stalin further characterized Panneerselvam as "a loving person, a virtuous person, a humble person" and expressed hope that his arrival would benefit Tamil Nadu's welfare.
Panneerselvam Explains Decision to Leave AIADMK
Explaining his momentous decision, Panneerselvam revealed he had chosen to join the DMK to draw a definitive line under his troubled past in the AIADMK. "The decision I've taken is my own, to put a fullstop to the bitter experience for me," he told media persons. "I thank CM and DMK President Stalin for accepting me to join DMK. I have joined DMK with full joy."
The former chief minister directly criticized his former party colleague, stating: "EPS is behaving as a dictator, and he has created a situation where AIADMK cannot get victory." This reference to Edappadi K Palaniswami highlights the leadership tussle that led to Panneerselvam's expulsion from the AIADMK in 2022, a rupture that ultimately paved the way for his latest political move.
Family Joins Political Transition
Accompanying Panneerselvam in this political transition was his son, P Ravindhranath Kumar, who also joined the DMK during the ceremony. This family involvement underscores the comprehensive nature of the political realignment and suggests a multi-generational commitment to the new political affiliation.
The joining ceremony represents one of the most significant political developments in Tamil Nadu in recent years, potentially altering electoral calculations for the 2026 Assembly elections. Panneerselvam's move from being a symbol of AIADMK loyalty to a DMK cadre marks a remarkable chapter in the state's dynamic political narrative, with implications for both Dravidian parties as they prepare for the upcoming electoral battle.
