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Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam is likely to join the DMK today amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
Former Chief Mminister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam (Photo: PTI)
Expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) is likely to join the ruling DMK on Friday, according to sources and multiple media reports, intensifying political speculation ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
While there has been no official confirmation from the DMK, the party acknowledged that discussions around alliance expansion are underway and indicated that a final decision would rest with its leadership.
As on Friday morning, OPS loyalists had started to gather at DMK headquarters. Top DMK sources said Panneerselvam was likely to meet MK Stalin anytime soon.
Speaking to IANS in Chennai, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said no formal talks had begun yet, but discussions within the alliance framework were ongoing.
“So far, no talks have started, but discussions are underway with other parties already in alliance with us. If he joins, many other parties may also want to be part of this alliance,” he said.
“However, our leader will decide who can join, as it is a question of seat-sharing. He will consider this and make a decision,” Elangovan said.
MEETING WITH STALIN TRIGGERED POLITICAL SPECULATION
Speculation over Panneerselvam’s possible move towards the DMK gained momentum after he met Chief Minister MK Stalin at the Secretariat on February 20.
After the meeting, Panneerselvam praised the DMK government’s performance and said the ruling party had a strong chance of returning to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
“The present political situation is like that. The achievements of the Chief Minister are deeply imprinted in the minds of the people based on the five-year good governance. The DMK has a chance to come back to power,” Panneerselvam said.
When asked whether he would join the DMK, he replied, “Be patient,” further fuelling speculation over a political realignment.
DMK ALLIES CLAIM ‘SIGNAL’ FROM PANNEERSELVAM
A day later, DMK ally and MDMK chief Vaiko indicated that Panneerselvam had already sent a message about joining the ruling alliance.
Speaking in Tirunelveli, Vaiko said the February 20 meeting reflected a shift in political stance.
“Maybe the realisation dawned on Panneerselvam. Through this, he has given the signal to join the DMK combine,” Vaiko told reporters.
Vaiko also expressed confidence that the DMK would return to power with an absolute majority in the upcoming polls and ruled out the possibility of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu.
PANNEERSELVAM MAINTAINS POLITICAL POSITION AMID RUMOURS
Even as speculation intensified, Panneerselvam addressed reporters in Theni and asserted that he remained committed to his political integrity.
On February 24, he said he was prepared to quit politics if allegations against him were proven.
“I have never committed even the slightest betrayal or wrongdoing. If the allegations levelled against me are proven, I am ready to quit politics and take up a life of renunciation,” he said.
He also criticised AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and reiterated that he had moved court opposing amendments to the party’s bylaws.
Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 following a leadership tussle.
REALIGNMENTS AHEAD OF 2026 ASSEMBLY POLLS
The developments come as political equations in Tamil Nadu continue to shift ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The 234-member Assembly is expected to go to polls in the first half of 2026, with the DMK-led alliance aiming for a second consecutive term.
In the 2021 elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured 159 seats collectively, while the NDA won 75 seats, with the AIADMK emerging as the largest party within that alliance.
With actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam also entering the political arena, the upcoming polls are expected to witness a multi-cornered contest.
February 27, 2026, 09:21 IST
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