O Panneerselvam's Political Shift: From AIADMK to DMK

O Panneerselvam, a long-time AIADMK leader, has shifted his political allegiance to the DMK, generating criticism from former colleagues like V K Sasikala. His decision follows internal conflicts and a fallout with Edappadi K Palaniswami, with reactions spanning across party lines and social media.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Chennai | Updated: 27-02-2026 21:05 IST | Created: 27-02-2026 21:05 IST
O Panneerselvam's Political Shift: From AIADMK to DMK
O Panneerselvam
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In a significant political shift, O Panneerselvam, a veteran AIADMK leader, has chosen to join the ruling DMK after half a century with the AIADMK. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala, who referred to the DMK as an 'evil force' in Tamil Nadu politics.

Panneerselvam's move follows years of internal conflicts within the AIADMK, particularly with Edappadi K Palaniswami. A senior BJP leader speculates that AIADMK's unwillingness to re-admit him, coupled with an alliance with T T V Dhinakaran's AMMK, might have influenced his decision.

While some, like Thol Thirumavalavan of VCK, praised Panneerselvam's decision, others, including BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, criticized him for betraying Jayalalithaa's legacy. The move has stirred discussions on social media, with many perceiving it as a political maneuver driven by necessity rather than conviction.

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