CHENNAI: A meeting between AIADMK Thondargal Urimai Meetpu Kazhagam coordinator O Panneerselvam and DMK minister PK Sekarbabu at the State Assembly premises has triggered fresh speculation over the future political course of the former Chief Minister, amid reports that he may explore the possibility of aligning with the ruling DMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Panneerselvam is weighing the option of joining the DMK-led alliance.
The speculation has gained momentum as Panneerselvam was not invited to the recent NDA alliance meeting held at Madurantakam, even as TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK formally joined the AIADMK-led NDA.
Adding to this, Panneerselvam-backed MLA P Iyyappan strongly criticised Governor RN Ravi during a speech in the Assembly. In this evolving political scenario, reports suggest that Panneerselvam may soon announce his decision on aligning with the DMK, following his close supporters R Vaithilingam and Paul Manoj Pandian joining the DMK.
Meanwhile, R Dharmar, an OPS supporter and AIADMK Rajya Sabha member, rejoined the AIADMK in the presence of party general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami. These developments have raised questions about Panneerselvam's political future.
Dharmar, who hails from Ramanathapuram, was considered a close associate of Panneerselvam. During the 2022 Rajya Sabha elections, when Panneerselvam was the AIADMK coordinator, Dharmar was nominated as a candidate, reportedly at his insistence.
Later, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Panneerselvam contested from the Rameswaram constituency as an Independent candidate, with reports claiming that Dharmar played a key role in helping him secure nearly three lakh votes under the jackfruit symbol.