In a seismic realignment of Tamil Nadu political landscape just a few months ahead of Legislative Assembly elections O. Panneerselvam, three times former Chief Minister and a staunch loyalist former AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa, joined the DMK in the presence of party president and Chief Minister M.K Stalin on February 27, 2026. On February 20, the last sitting of the 16th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Mr. Pannerselvam had called on Mr. Stalin on the premises of the House and said the ruling DMK has a chance of retaining power. Also read: Amit Shah told me that strong DMK-led alliance will win against divided AIADMK, says PanneerselvamMr. Panneerselvam and his supporters were expelled from the AIADMK in July 2022. He unsuccessfully contested Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha seat as an Independent candidate backed by the BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are slated to be held in 2026.

Source: The Hindu February 27, 2026 16:08 UTC