O Paneerselvam Joins DMK Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

O Paneerselvam, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the state Assembly elections. His move comes after being expelled from the AIADMK due to a leadership conflict. Paneerselvam has criticized the current AIADMK leadership under Edappadi K Palaniswami, claiming it suppresses southern leaders. His son also joined the DMK, marking a significant political shift. This article explores the implications of Paneerselvam's transition and the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 12:29 IST

Former Chief Minister Joins DMK

O Paneerselvam, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and a previously expelled member of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), officially joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai on Friday, just months before the upcoming state Assembly elections.

MK Stalin, the DMK leader and current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, expressed his warm welcome to Paneerselvam, stating he is welcomed 'with open arms.'

Additionally, Paneerselvam's son, P Ravindranath Kumar, also became a member of the DMK on the same day.

In 2022, Paneerselvam faced expulsion from the AIADMK following a leadership conflict with Edappadi K Palaniswami, who currently serves as the leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu.

After his induction into the DMK, Paneerselvam accused Palaniswami of attempting to suppress the rise of southern leaders, claiming, 'EPS is behaving as a dictator, and he has created an AIADMK which cannot achieve victory henceforth.'

He expressed gratitude towards Stalin for his acceptance into the DMK, stating he joined the party 'with absolute joy.'

Previously, on July 11, 2022, Paneerselvam was ousted from his position as the AIADMK treasurer due to alleged 'anti-party activities.' This decision came shortly after Palaniswami was elected as the interim general secretary during a general council meeting.

The council also eliminated the dual leadership structure, appointing Palaniswami as the 'single supreme leader.' At that time, Paneerselvam held the title of coordinator while Palaniswami was the joint coordinator.

These roles were established during a general council meeting on September 12, 2017, when the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was honored with the title of 'eternal general secretary.' The faction led by Paneerselvam opposed the dissolution of these positions, viewing it as a betrayal of Jayalalithaa's legacy.