In a significant political development, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam has laid down a clear condition for his entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. He has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah that his participation is contingent upon the successful reunification of the fractured AIADMK.
The Core Demand: Restoring Status and Unity
O Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, met with Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, December 5th, after flying via Kochi. According to sources close to the leader, his primary demand during the discussion was the restoration of his position as the coordinator of the AIADMK, a post he held until his expulsion from the party. An associate stated that Panneerselvam's re-entry into the party fold with his old status is non-negotiable.
The BJP's national leadership, reportedly keen on bringing the former chief minister into the NDA fold to strengthen its prospects for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, has indicated that his demand would be "taken care of appropriately." However, OPS has linked his alliance fortunes directly to the larger goal of party unity.
Electoral Warnings and a Firm Deadline
During his meeting with Shah, Panneerselvam presented a stark political analysis. He argued that an electoral defeat for an AIADMK-BJP alliance is inevitable unless the expelled members, including himself, are readmitted. He pointed to the series of electoral losses suffered by the AIADMK faction led by Edappadi K Palaniswami since 2017 as evidence of the party's weakened state without unity.
Panneerselvam's camp has already set a deadline for this reunification process. The AIADMK cadres' rights retrieval committee, which he heads, passed a resolution on November 24th stating it would evolve into a 'Kazhagam' (party) if no steps are taken. They have given Palaniswami until December 15th to initiate concrete measures for reunification.
Denials, Distances, and Other Political Avenues
Addressing reporters in Chennai on Friday after paying tribute to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa on her ninth death anniversary, OPS firmly denied any plans to float a new political party. "Under no circumstances have I said I will start a party," he clarified. He also stated that he had briefed Amit Shah on the state's political situation and received "kind words" in response.
While expressing a shared objective with AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran to strengthen the AIADMK through reunification, Panneerselvam distanced himself from former minister K A Sengottaiyan, who recently joined actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). "I did not speak to him, nor did he speak to me," he said.
His supporters have hinted at keeping other alliance options open. OPS supporter and former MLA A Subburathinam mentioned that their leader respects all leaders across parties and that if expectations from the BJP are not met, they will explore other possibilities to contest the election. Sources have indicated that an alliance with the ruling DMK is also under consideration by Panneerselvam's team.
The Stakes for 2026 and Beyond
The political maneuvering underscores the high stakes for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The BJP is actively seeking to consolidate a strong opposition front in the state, and a unified AIADMK with experienced leaders like OPS is seen as a crucial component. Panneerselvam's ultimatum places the ball firmly in the court of both the BJP central leadership and the AIADMK's current top brass to navigate a complex reconciliation. The outcome will significantly shape the opposition's strategy and the political landscape of Tamil Nadu in the coming years.
