Today in a move that rocked the Dravidian land, three-time former AIADMK chief minister and ex-leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) officially entered the DMK. OPS, the trusted lieutenant of the deceased AIADMK chief executive, J. Jayalalithaa, became primary party member in the party in front of Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin at the party meeting's headquarters, Anna Arivalayam.
The defection marks a historic realignment just months before the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. It effectively ends OPS’s decades-long alliance with the AIADMK identity.
The road on the way to Anna Arivalayam: How OPS Changed sides
The shift in government comes after a long, bitter fight for AIADMK control over which it finally lost to General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami's victory in court and OPS was long-drawn out in litigation for the AIADMK.
- Final Overture: OPS had publicly praised the DMK government just prior, stating the Stalin administration's achievements were “etched in the hearts of the people” and predicting a second consecutive term for the DMK.
- Strategic Necessity: OPS considered joining the DMK the last possibility he had to face Palaniswami against the BJP-led NDA and the closed door from EPS in southern Tamil Nadu due to being "insulted" by the BJP-led NDA.
- The Theni Factor: OPS will be a DMK candidate perhaps from his former home base, Bodinayakkanur, or a seat in a Mukkulathor-dominated southern belt.
The 'Parent Party' Argument
In his first speech since joining, OPS repeatedly and clearly told supporters that the DMK is the "parent party" to the Dravidian movement. He was accompanied by his son, former MP P. Raveendranath, along with a number of faithful supporters having previously resigned from posts ahead of this move.
Impact on Assembly Elections, 2026
Integration of OPS into the DMK fold weakens the hand of the AIADMK in southern districts where OPS has a considerable following in Thevar (Mukkulathor) communities. DMK's Breakway: By replacing the previous Chief Minister with a high-profile face the DMK has not only united its force but has effectively “divided and conquered” the traditional vote of the big opposition. EPS’s Challenge: The task for Edappadi Palaniswami is to create The AIADMK now without the powerful "Southern Face" that OPS provided for decades.
