With Tamil Nadu heading into the 2026 Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam’s switch to the DMK adds fresh momentum to shifting alliances and sharpens the political contest.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam joins the DMK in Chennai in the presence of CM MK Stalin. (ANI)
In a major political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, former chief minister O Panneerselvam on Friday joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai. The expelled AIADMK leader was welcomed into the party in the presence of DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The move comes at a crucial time, with parties repositioning themselves months before the 234-member Assembly goes to polls in the first half of 2026. The DMK-led alliance is preparing to defend its record, while the BJP-AIADMK front readies its counter. Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also expected to influence what could become a multi-cornered contest.
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Panneerselvam’s son, P Ravindhranath Kumar, also joined the DMK.
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Soon after entering the DMK, Panneerselvam praised Chief Minister Stalin’s administration and criticised AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).
“Stalin is giving good governance to people, and people are watching it,” he said.
Taking a swipe at his former colleague, he alleged that EPS does not want leaders from southern Tamil Nadu to grow stronger. “To save the Dravidian Movement and its policies, it is the DMK which is working,” he said, adding that he had joined as an ordinary cadre and would work for the party’s growth.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: After joining DMK, O. Panneerselvam says, “Stalin is giving good governance to people, and people are watching it…EPS is keen on making sure no leaders from the South become strong. To save Dravidian Movement, policy of the Dravidian, it’s the DMK which is… pic.twitter.com/IofkwL39Pw
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2026
Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 after a bitter leadership struggle with Palaniswami.
Reacting to the development, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said Panneerselvam had been Jayalalithaa’s choice for Chief Minister on three occasions but was denied due respect within the AIADMK.
He accused EPS of feeling threatened by leaders who could weaken his position. Elangovan also alleged that the AIADMK had aligned with the BJP, which he described as a party “against Tamil Nadu”, and said Panneerselvam had joined the DMK to work against the BJP.
“DMK alliance is very strong. We will win 200,” Elangovan asserted.
The AIADMK, however, played down the significance of the switch. Party leader RB Udhayakumar said disciplinary action had been taken against Panneerselvam three years ago and maintained that his move would have “no impact whatsoever”.
Earlier in the week, NDA ally and AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran criticised Panneerselvam for invoking the names of Puratchi Thalaivar MG Ramachandran and Puratchi Thalaivi J Jayalalithaa while expressing support for Stalin.
Dhinakaran said Panneerselvam was free to choose his alliances but objected to linking Jayalalithaa’s legacy to the DMK. He said supporters of the late leader would not accept statements that, in his view, undermine her honour.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK won 133 seats. Along with its allies, including Congress, PMK and VCK, the Secular Progressive Alliance secured 159 seats. The NDA won 75 seats, with the AIADMK emerging as the largest party in that alliance with 66 seats.
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