In a politically charged move that has taken Tamil Nadu’s political corridors by storm, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) announced his party’s formal exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) merely hours after being spotted on a morning walk with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at Chennai’s Marina Beach. The unexpected development has triggered speculation about realignments in Tamil Nadu’s dynamic political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and the broader national picture.
The sudden break with the NDA — led nationally by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — was announced at a press conference convened at OPS’s residence in Theni. OPS declared that his faction, currently operating under the banner of “Puratchi Thalaivar Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam” (PTAMMK), would now explore “regional coalitions that represent Tamil aspirations.”
Political Earthquake in the South
The morning walk with Stalin, although informal and apparently non-political, drew immediate media and social media attention. Dressed in a casual white shirt and dhoti, OPS was seen walking and chatting with Stalin on the Marina promenade — a sight that quickly went viral. Just hours later, his sharp political decision to exit the NDA has left observers stunned.
Speaking at the press meet, OPS said:
“The BJP’s national priorities have drifted away from the developmental and linguistic ethos of Tamil Nadu. Our path is now separate. Our aim is to align with forces that uphold the values of federalism, secularism, and Tamil pride.”
Political insiders suggest that OPS has been steadily distancing himself from the BJP after recent central policies regarding NEET, Hindi imposition allegations, and the Centre-State financial devolution issue, all of which have drawn criticism in Tamil Nadu.
Why Did OPS Exit the NDA?
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Central policies on NEET and education | Perceived as anti-Tamil Nadu; BJP stance has hurt NDA allies in the state |
| BJP’s alliance with Edappadi Palaniswami | OPS faction felt sidelined within AIADMK-BJP partnership |
| Federalism vs. Centralization debate | OPS emphasized state autonomy over New Delhi’s control |
| Hindi imposition allegations | BJP has faced criticism over cultural imposition in the South |
| MK Stalin proximity | Recent cordiality between Stalin and OPS seen as symbolic realignment |
The fallout is also seen as a direct consequence of the BJP strengthening ties with AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), a rival of OPS. The internal rift within the AIADMK has left OPS politically isolated, pushing him to chart his own course.
Timeline: OPS and BJP – From Alliance to Estrangement
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | AIADMK (united) maintains neutral stance post-Modi wave |
| 2019 | AIADMK joins NDA under BJP for Lok Sabha polls |
| 2021 | AIADMK-BJP alliance contests Tamil Nadu Assembly polls; loses |
| 2022 | AIADMK splits; OPS and EPS factions formally divide |
| 2023 | BJP leans towards EPS; OPS voices discomfort |
| 2024 | OPS meets Stalin on Marina; exits NDA the same day |
Political analysts say this timeline shows a clear pattern of OPS being gradually edged out of central alliance strategies, particularly after the 2023 reshuffle in state political equations.
Implications for Tamil Nadu Politics
The exit of OPS from the NDA has implications both within the state and at the national level:
- Fragmentation of Anti-DMK Votes: With OPS now outside the NDA, the anti-DMK vote bank risks further fragmentation, weakening opposition cohesion in the 2026 polls.
- Possible Alignment with DMK or Third Front: While OPS hasn’t explicitly declared alignment with the ruling DMK, his recent friendliness with Stalin and talk of “Tamil pride” suggest openness to understanding or forming a broader federal front.
- DMK’s Strategic Advantage: For M.K. Stalin, this unexpected episode provides additional leverage. With the DMK already holding a majority, OPS’s softening stance further consolidates his centrality in Tamil Nadu politics.
- Pressure on BJP’s Tamil Strategy: The BJP may now face difficulty expanding its presence in Tamil Nadu, given the absence of a strong, unified regional ally post-AIADMK split and OPS’s departure.
What Does OPS Gain?
Political observers believe OPS’s strategic detachment from the BJP opens up new possibilities for survival and relevance in Tamil Nadu politics:
- Reclaiming Legacy of Jayalalithaa: OPS may now attempt to rebuild his party’s grassroots appeal by invoking the legacy of late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa, whose governance style remains popular in many regions.
- Independent Identity: Free from national alliance constraints, OPS can push regional narratives without being associated with unpopular central policies.
- Negotiation Leverage: A position outside both NDA and DMK could allow him to negotiate better seat-sharing or policy influence closer to the 2026 elections.
Political Reactions
DMK Spokesperson T.R. Baalu commented on the developments:
“If a leader respects Tamil culture and stands against Hindi imposition, we welcome that thinking. But alliances are discussed at the party level, not on morning walks.”
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai, however, took a veiled dig at OPS, saying:
“BJP believes in strong partnerships. We wish those who leave us all the best — but we are confident of growing in Tamil Nadu independently.”
Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) offered no comment but sources say his camp sees this as a validation of their hold over AIADMK and NDA cooperation.
2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls: Seat Strengths and Alliances (As of Now)
| Party/Faction | Current Seats | Likely Alliance Path |
|---|---|---|
| DMK-led Alliance | 159 | DMK + Congress + Left + VCK + Others |
| AIADMK (EPS faction) | 66 | NDA (with BJP) |
| OPS faction (PTAMMK) | 1 | Exploring third front or DMK tie-up |
| BJP (Independent candidates) | 4 | Will contest more seats in 2026 |
| Others/Independents | 4 | May align closer to polls |
What’s Next for OPS?
OPS announced he would be touring southern districts starting next week to “reconnect with cadre and people” under a statewide Puratchi Payanam (Revolutionary Journey). The campaign is expected to focus on farmer issues, Tamil language protection, and federalism.
He also announced a mega public rally in Madurai in August, where he will unveil the next phase of his political agenda, including possible alliances or solo electoral strategies.
Conclusion
O. Panneerselvam’s abrupt yet symbolic exit from the NDA, closely on the heels of a public appearance with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has added a fresh twist to Tamil Nadu’s evolving political narrative. While it’s too early to determine whether this marks a thaw in DMK-OPS relations or a solo comeback attempt by OPS, the move undoubtedly shakes up alliance calculations ahead of the 2026 polls. In a state where optics matter as much as ideology, a morning walk may have just redefined political pathways.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, press statements, and political developments. Interpretations are made in good faith and may evolve as the situation unfolds.
