NEW DELHI: O Panneerselvam (OPS), an expelled leader of the AIADMK, announced his willingness to reunite with Edappadi K Palaniswami’s (EPS) faction ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in 2026. During a press conference in Madurai, OPS challenged both EPS and AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran to consider reunification.
In response, EPS dismissed OPS’s offer, stating that there is no chance for OPS to be readmitted into the AIADMK, citing his expulsion in 2023 for “anti-party activities” confirmed by the party’s general council.
OPS’s push for reunification coincides with efforts by the BJP to strengthen and expand the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu. He framed the potential collaboration among rival factions as a logical step toward defeating the DMK in future elections.
OPS emphasized his intention to restore the original party by-laws and cadres’ rights rather than evolve into a new political party. When questioned about possible discussions with BJP representatives, he refrained from providing a direct response.
EPS’s camp views his refusal as a matter of party discipline, indicating that a “dual leadership” model is not feasible. The BJP has also shown clear support for EPS as the front-runner for the NDA in the 2026 elections.
OPS faces significant political challenges, including limited negotiating power, as he no longer has control over crucial resources such as a party, symbol, or strong electoral support. His recent attempts to re-engage with the political landscape highlight his urgency to maintain relevance.
With EPS firmly rejecting his offer, OPS appears to have three options: join the NDA via the AMMK, contest with BJP support, or hope for an improbable reunion with the AIADMK. His recent statements suggest he aims to ensure his involvement in the upcoming elections despite the prevailing political dynamics in Tamil Nadu.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
