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Former AIADMK Chief Minister inducted in presence of MK Stalin
February 27, 2026: In a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu, expelled All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday. The induction ceremony in Chennai was held in the presence of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, marking a notable crossover between two long-standing Dravidian rivals. Panneerselvam expressed confidence that the DMK would retain power under Stalin’s leadership.
Once regarded as a trusted aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam served three terms as Chief Minister, often during transitional phases. However, internal power struggles within the AIADMK after Jayalalithaa’s demise led to widening factional rifts and eventually his expulsion from the party. His move to the DMK signals both a personal political recalibration and a broader realignment within the state’s political landscape.
The development is expected to have ripple effects across Tamil Nadu’s electoral dynamics. For the AIADMK, the exit of a senior leader underscores ongoing internal challenges, while for the DMK, the addition of a seasoned administrator with influence in southern districts could strengthen its electoral strategy. Further clarity on Panneerselvam’s role within the party is awaited.