OPS likely to join DMK on Friday ‘to take on Palaniswami’
Times of India
by JULIE MARIAPPANFebruary 26, 2026
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Three-time chief minister O Panneerselvam, 75, is likely to join the DMK party on Friday, according to multiple sources. This move comes after he was expelled from the AIADMK earlier this year and has been attempting to regain control of his former party. DMK leaders have confirmed that discussions with OPS are ongoing, and he may be given a seat in the upcoming assembly elections, potentially in Bodinayakkanur or another key constituency.
OPS’s decision to switch parties appears to be influenced by recent developments within AIADMK, including the general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami welcoming another expelled leader, T T V Dhinakaran, into the NDA alliance. OPS has been critical of Palaniswami and views this as an opportunity to challenge his leadership. DMK leaders have expressed optimism about OPS’s potential contribution to their party, given his political experience and influence in Kerala.
The decision is a significant shift for OPS, who previously aligned with the NDA but withdrew after feeling insulted by BJP members. He has long sought to unify AIADMK factions but faced resistance from Palaniswami and other leaders. OPS’s supporters argue that joining DMK will allow him to take on Palaniswami effectively, as he believes a stronger opposition is needed to challenge AIADMK’s dominance.
This political realignment could have far-reaching implications for the assembly elections in Kerala. OPS’s move is seen as an attempt to weaken AIADMK’s position while strengthening DMK’s chances of winning key seats, particularly in regions where he has previously been influential. His decision also highlights the ongoing factional struggles within AIADMK and the shifting alliances in Kerala’s political landscape.
For readers interested in global politics, this development underscores the dynamic nature of South Asian politics, where alliances and rivalries frequently evolve
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026