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CM M.K. Stalin met former CM O. Panneerselvam in Chennai, signaling a political shift ahead of the 2026 elections. OPS left the BJP-led NDA after a denied request to meet PM Modi.
Former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam calls on CM M.K. Stalin, in Chennai. (Photo/DMK)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin met with former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam at his residence in Chennai, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also in attendance.
The development marks a significant political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
O Panneerselvam (OPS) earlier walked out of the BJP-led NDA alliance after his request to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s recent visit to the state was declined, an incident that reportedly left his camp deeply upset.
OPS had written to the Prime Minister seeking permission to receive him at Tuticorin Airport, but the request was denied. In response, his faction held an internal meeting on Wednesday and announced the decision to exit the alliance.
Speaking to reporters at Madurai airport, OPS confirmed he would make a formal announcement regarding his next political move in Chennai.
“I will make an announcement on Thursday in Chennai,” he said, when asked whether he had decided on alliances for the upcoming polls, reported TOI.
OPS has continued to keep his plans under wraps, echoing similar remarks earlier this week at his Periyakulam residence. Recent statements, including his criticism of the Centre for withholding funds for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and his advisor Panruti Ramachandran’s suggestion that he should leave the NDA, indicate a growing rift with the BJP.
The anticipation surrounding OPS’s upcoming announcement has heightened, as it may potentially alter the alliance dynamics in Tamil Nadu in the lead-up to the crucial 2026 elections.
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