Chennai: In a dramatic political development in Tamil Nadu, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday.
Not without reason, there was speculation of OPS’ faction joining hands with the ruling DMK.
Hours before the announcement by Panruti S Ramachandran, former minister and a long-time confidante of OPS, the three-time ex-CM met incumbent chief minister MK Stalin during the latter’s routine morning walk.
Even more significantly, Panneerselvam met Stalin on Thursday evening at the latter’s camp office.
However, OPS has not yet confirmed any new alliance or future plans.
OPS, who contested last year’s Lok Sabha elections under the NDA banner, cited political disrespect and alleged being sidelined as key reasons for his decision.
OPS had written to Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu, stating that it would be his “singular honour” to meet the Prime Minister and had sought an appointment.
However, OPS was not granted a meeting.
Following the snub, OPS publicly criticised the Union government on social media over the delay in disbursing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds.
His aide Ramachandran said that OPS will soon begin a state-wide tour ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, due around April 2026.
“At present, there is no alliance with any party. In the future, we will take a call on alliance closer to the elections,” said Ramachandran.
OPS kept all options open, and did not rule out the possibility of joining hands with actor Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
“Time will tell,” OPS said when asked about a possible alliance.
OPS, once a key figure within AIADMK, formed his own faction after a bitter leadership tussle within the AIADMK.
He was chief minister of Tamil Nadu for brief periods in December 2016, and previously from 2001 to 2002, and 2014 to 2015.