Three-time CM OPS switches Sides, seeks re-election from Bodinayakkanur with DMK

After nearly five decades with AIADMK, O. Panneerselvam has joined DMK and is contesting from Bodinayakkanur in the 2026 elections.

Published on: May 4, 2026, 11:07:55 IST

By Payal Kumari

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O. Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, is a veteran Indian politician and three-time former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who remains a significant figure in the state’s political landscape. He served as Chief Minister during three separate terms, 2001-2002, 2014-2015, and briefly in 2016 following the death of J. Jayalalithaa.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK candidate for Bodinayakkanur constituency, O Panneerselvam, shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote for the state Assembly elections, at a polling station, in Theni district. (PTI)

In a major political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Panneerselvam left the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He is now contesting from the Bodinayakkanur constituency on a DMK ticket, marking a dramatic realignment after decades with the AIADMK.

Background

Born on January 14, 1951, O. Panneerselvam joined the AIADMK in 1973 and rose through the party ranks as a close confidant of J. Jayalalithaa. Known for his loyalty, he stepped into the role of Chief Minister multiple times when she was unable to hold office due to legal or political circumstances. Over the years, he became one of the most recognisable faces of the AIADMK, also serving as Leader of the House in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2018 to 2021 and presenting the state budget 11 times as Finance Minister.

Also Read: Elections 2026: When will Election Commission begin counting of votes in Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala ?

However, in a significant turnaround, Panneerselvam resigned as an MLA on February 27, 2026, and joined the DMK after nearly five decades with the AIADMK. Now contesting under the DMK and campaigning against the very party he represented for most of his career, making his switch one of the most notable developments in the run-up to the 2026 elections.

What Happened in Previous Elections?

O. Panneerselvam has maintained a strong electoral hold over the Bodinayakkanur constituency across multiple assembly elections, consistently winning the seat while representing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, he secured a decisive victory with a vote share of 56.69%, defeating S. Lakshmanan, who polled 38.89%. He retained the seat in 2016 with 49.38% of the vote against the DMK’s 41.63%, and once again emerged victorious in 2021, securing 46.58% while defeating Thanga Tamilselvan, who received 41.45%.

However, the 2026 election presents a unique twist, Panneerselvam is now contesting from the same constituency as a DMK candidate after decades with the AIADMK. This reversal of political alignment makes the contest particularly intriguing, as he seeks to retain his stronghold under a different party banner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Payal Kumari
Payal is a budding journalist currently pursuing her passion for storytelling at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She has always loved writing and reading, and over time, these interests grew into a strong desire to tell stories that people can connect with. This is what led her to choose journalism and content writing as a career. She has interned with Prabhat Khabar, where she worked with the social media team. During her internship, she created content for different platforms and learned how to write in a clear and engaging way for a wide audience. This experience helped her understand how digital content works and improved her writing skills. Payal is always looking to learn and grow as a writer. She is open to exploring different kinds of stories and wants to keep getting better with each piece she writes. Outside of her work and studies, she is an avid reader. She enjoys reading all kinds of books, especially fiction and fantasy, and loves getting lost in different worlds and characters. Reading has always been a big part of her life and continues to inspire her writing. She is excited to keep learning, writing, and discovering where her journey in journalism takes her.Read More

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