In a surprising political move, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, also known as OPS, has officially pulled his faction out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The announcement followed a brief but widely discussed morning interaction with current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the latter’s regular walk, fueling speculation about new alliances on the horizon.
OPS, once an influential figure within the AIADMK, carved his separate political path following an internal power struggle. His exit from the NDA signals a possible pivot toward regional consolidation and marks a key shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Political observers view this development as a potential game changer, especially as the ruling DMK under Stalin continues to strengthen its footing in the state. With OPS stepping away from BJP support, new possibilities for political realignment and voter recalibration are now in motion.
This strategic exit may redefine Tamil Nadu’s electoral narrative as parties brace for a high-stakes showdown in 2026.