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The remarks came just days after OPS publicly indicated his willingness to return to the AIADMK, stressing that party unity was essential for Tamil Nadu’s welfare.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam meets Chief Minister M K Stalin
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday praised CM MK Stalin, saying the DMK would return to power due to what he described as the “government’s good governance.”
Speaking to reporters in Chennai after meeting Stalin, Panneerselvam said, “DMK will come to power because of its good governance,” a remark that has drawn political attention given his recent statements on reuniting with the AIADMK.
The meeting and comments come just days after OPS publicly indicated his willingness to return to the AIADMK, stressing that party unity was essential for Tamil Nadu’s welfare.
He had said he was prepared to rejoin the party under its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), but acknowledged that the final decision rested with the party leadership.
“I am ready to join the AIADMK under EPS. The question is whether they will accept me,” OPS had said, reiterating that his intent was to strengthen the party.
However, hours after OPS made the appeal, Palaniswami categorically ruled out any possibility of his return.
Speaking to reporters in Omalur in Salem district, EPS said the decision to expel OPS was taken unanimously by the AIADMK general council and was final.
“The expulsion was not my individual decision. It was the unanimous decision of the general council members,” he said, adding that the party would function strictly in line with its resolutions.
The rift between OPS and EPS dates back to the power struggle that followed the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, which eventually split the party.
OPS was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 after launching a campaign challenging EPS’s leadership.
While OPS has repeatedly pitched his reinduction as an effort to restore unity and revive what he called ‘Amma’s rule’, the EPS-led leadership has remained firm against the return of expelled leaders.
Palaniswami has maintained that the AIADMK would form the next government on its own strength, adding that discussions were underway with some parties, though no talks had been held with the DMDK so far.
Tamil Nadu, India, India
February 20, 2026, 19:08 IST
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