ex-aiadmk-leader-quits-nda-after-morning-walk-with-stalin

Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) on Thursday announced his faction's departure from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), causing a significant change in Tamil Nadu politics. The decision was made just hours after he was spotted talking and strolling alongside Chief Minister MK Stalin on the latter's daily morning stroll, which sparked a lot of conjecture.

The move follows a series of events seen as signs of growing discontent between OPS and the BJP leadership. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu, OPS had written a letter seeking a meeting, calling it a “singular honour” to meet the Prime Minister. However, he was denied an appointment, a development interpreted within political circles as a snub.

 

OPS then further expressed his displeasure with the BJP-led Centre on social media by criticising the Union Government for holding up the release of funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.

The formal announcement of the break came from Panruti S Ramachandran, a senior political figure and close aide of OPS. “We are breaking the alliance with the NDA,” Ramachandran said, confirming the split. He also revealed that OPS would soon launch a state-wide tour in preparation for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. “At present, there is no alliance with any party. Decisions on future alliances will be made closer to the elections,” he added.

 

Also Read: MK Stalin holds meeting with Chief Secretary from hospital

OPS, who was present during the press briefing, did not rule out future alliances and notably left the door open for a potential tie-up with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the new political outfit launched by actor Vijay. In response to a question concerning the potential for collaboration with TVK, O Panneerselvam said, "Time will tell," implying that any talks would take place in the upcoming months.

The departure of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was once a well-known AIADMK leader and a powerful NDA ally in Tamil Nadu, is a noteworthy development ahead of the 2026 elections. His departure from the BJP alliance may lead to new political dynamics in the state, where parties are preparing for a pivotal election contest and realignments and new alliances are anticipated.

 

Also Read: Stalin urges PM to release ₹2,100 cr SSA funds