Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) announced his faction’s decision to sever ties with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The move came shortly after he met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the latter’s routine morning walk.
OPS had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a meeting during the PM’s recent visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu. However, after failing to secure an appointment, he publicly criticised the Union Government on social media over delays in disbursing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds
The decision to leave the NDA was announced by Panruti S. Ramachandran, a former minister and close aide of OPS, who stated that their group was dissolving its partnership with the BJP-led alliance.
"We are terminating our alliance with the NDA," he declared, adding that OPS plans to launch a statewide campaign ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. "Currently, we have no political alliance with any party. We will decide on future partnerships as the elections approach."
OPS, who was present during the announcement, left the door open for a potential collaboration with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). When asked about a possible alliance, he responded, "Time will tell," noting that there was still ample time before the polls.
Once a key AIADMK leader and a BJP ally within the NDA, OPS formed his own faction following a bitter power struggle within the AIADMK. His exit from the NDA now raises questions about potential political realignments in Tamil Nadu, especially with the 2026 state elections drawing closer.
