Expelled AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) joined the rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday, marking a significant political switch ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Welcomed by DMK president and current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai, OPS's move comes amid speculation of revenge against his former ally Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the current AIADMK general secretary. The defection has stirred Tamil Nadu's political landscape, with OPS emphasizing that a DMK victory would inherently mean a loss for EPS.

In his statements following the switch, OPS praised Stalin's inclusive leadership, citing it as the primary reason for his decision. "MK Stalin's political activities and his inclusive approach... his way of ensuring the development of all sections, taking people with him regardless of caste or religion," OPS said. He added, "The people want MK Stalin to win. I want DMK to win. If DMK wins then automatically EPS loses." When questioned about personal ambitions, such as contesting from his Bodinayakkanur seat, OPS deferred to Stalin's judgment, indicating his willingness to abide by party decisions.

The roots of this rivalry trace back to 2022, when OPS was expelled from the AIADMK following a bitter leadership dispute with EPS after the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. The two had previously shared power in a factional arrangement, but tensions escalated into a full-blown split, leaving OPS on the political sidelines. Recent weeks saw rumors of a potential reconciliation, fueled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to strengthen the AIADMK-BJP alliance by consolidating votes from the influential Thevar community in southern Tamil Nadu districts.

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However, OPS rejected overtures to rejoin the AIADMK or align directly with the BJP-led coalition, opting instead for the DMK. He firmly denied any revenge motive, attributing his choice solely to admiration for Stalin's governance style, which he described as benefiting all sections of society. This defection is seen as a blow to the opposition's efforts to unify against the ruling DMK-led front.

Tamil Nadu is gearing up for Assembly elections in April or May, where the DMK coalition, including the Congress, aims for a fourth consecutive term. The AIADMK-BJP alliance hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency, but OPS's move could fragment votes and alter dynamics in key regions. Political analysts suggest it highlights ongoing factionalism within the AIADMK, potentially weakening its challenge to the DMK's dominance.

As the election approaches, OPS's integration into the DMK fold is expected to be closely watched, with implications for caste-based vote banks and alliance strategies. While no immediate reactions from EPS were reported, the switch underscores the fluid nature of Tamil Nadu politics, where personal rivalries often intersect with broader electoral battles.

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