OPS Ditches NDA; DMDK’s Premalatha Meets Stalin, Raising Eyebrows

Tamil Nadu’s political scene is heating up with surprising developments taking place on the same day. Former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) announced his faction's exit from the BJP-led NDA and was seen meeting Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during a morning walk, sparking fresh speculation.
On the very same day, DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant met Stalin at his residence, officially to enquire about his health, but the timing has triggered talk of possible realignments. Just days ago, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman had also visited Stalin, adding to the political buzz ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

OPS loyalist Panruti S. Ramachandran stated, “We are breaking the alliance with the NDA.” The announcement comes as OPS prepares to embark on a statewide tour in the lead-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Ramachandran noted that there is currently no alliance with any political party and that decisions regarding future alliances would be made closer to the elections.

The split follows what is widely viewed as a snub by the central leadership.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu, OPS had written to him seeking an appointment, expressing that it would be his “singular honour” to meet the Prime Minister at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. However, the request was reportedly declined, leaving the OPS camp disappointed.

In the aftermath, OPS took to social media to criticise the Union Government for delays in releasing funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, signalling a growing rift with the BJP.


His departure from the NDA is now being seen as the culmination of these tensions.

Adding an element of political intrigue, OPS met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during a morning walk earlier today, raising speculation about potential future alignments.

OPS, once a key leader of the AIADMK and a former ally of the BJP within the NDA, has been politically adrift since a bitter power struggle with Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) led to a split in the AIADMK.


He subsequently formed his own faction and aligned briefly with the BJP.

The exit of the OPS faction from the NDA is expected to impact Tamil Nadu’s political landscape significantly, especially among the Thevar community, a powerful social group in southern Tamil Nadu that has traditionally backed the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant on Thursday called on M.K. Stalin at his residence in Chennai, in what was officially described as a courtesy visit but has generated fresh political chatter ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.


Premalatha, accompanied by senior party leaders including DMDK Treasurer L.K. Sudhish and former MLA B. Parthasarathy, enquired about the Chief Minister’s health.

Stalin had been admitted to a private hospital in Chennai for a week after he reportedly experienced giddiness during a morning walk. He was discharged last week and has since resumed official duties.

The meeting was attended by members of the Chief Minister’s family, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior DMK leader and Minister E.V. Velu.


While the DMDK has presented the visit as a gesture of goodwill, political observers note that it comes at a time of fluid alliances and growing speculation about the party’s future moves.

The DMDK’s relationship with the AIADMK, its long-time ally, has been under strain in recent months.

Tensions surfaced last month over the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat, with DMDK leaders publicly expressing displeasure at being denied representation. Although the AIADMK later assured the DMDK of a Rajya Sabha seat in 2026, the episode highlighted simmering unease within the alliance.


Premalatha Vijayakant’s outreach to the DMK leadership has therefore drawn attention, especially as the state inches closer to the Assembly polls.

The visit also mirrors recent interactions by other political leaders with the Chief Minister. Earlier, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman had visited Stalin to offer condolences following the death of his elder brother, Mu. Ka. Muthu.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister returned to the Secretariat on Thursday, launching new welfare initiatives and reviewing government activities. His appearance in public and continued discharge of duties have reassured DMK cadres after his brief hospitalisation. --TWL Bureau with IANS