Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday announced that his faction is leaving the National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP. The decision was made based on a resolution passed by members of the 'OPS Supporters' Rights Recovery Committe', which was formed by Panneerselvam's faction following his expulsion from the AIADMK.
The development, which was not really surprising, came following Panneerselvam's meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin in the morning. This has led to speculations that the staunch Jayalalithaa loyalist would be looking to join Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the main rival of his former party AIADMK.
Will O. Panneerselvam join DMK?
After meeting Stalin during the CM's morning walk, OPS, as Panneerselvam is popularly known, has met the chief minister once again in the evening. This has led to speculations that he would join the DMK.
If Panneerselvam joins DMK, it would strengthen Stalin's party's base in south Tamil Nadu, especially with the support from the Thevar community. Panneerselvam's potential entry into DMK would not be surprising as he has been left in the lurch by AIADMK with Edappadi K Palaniswami not letting him back into the party.
He has always been in praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he even sought a meeting with the premier when he arrived in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. However, the PMO did not give him an appointment. This has reportedly irked Panneerselvam as the BJP top brass never gave him a chance to speak ever since the AIADMK returned to NDA fold. It should be noted that when Amit Shah came to Chennai in April, the BJP turned down OPS's request for an audience.
On July 29, OPS lashed out at the BJP-led central government for not releasing funds to Tamil Nadu citing non-acceptance by state government. "This action of the Centre is against the Right to Education Act and federalism," Panneerselvam stated. This was the first time that OPS turned against the BJP and the Centre.
Earlier, reports suggested that OPS may tie up with actor Vijay's TVK. However, this is unlikely given the former CM's meeting with Stalin.