Chennai, Jan 5 (NationPress) Expelled AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O. Panneerselvam, is currently in talks with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), regarding a potential alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with seat-sharing becoming the primary issue of contention.

Sources close to the discussions reveal that the OPS faction has requested 20 Assembly seats as part of the alliance arrangement. Following internal discussions, the TVK leadership has indicated a willingness to offer up to 15 seats.

The proposal has reportedly advanced from earlier discussions, with the initial offer being lower before being revised to 15 constituencies.

While negotiations are ongoing, no conclusive decision has been made by the OPS camp. Associates of Panneerselvam have confirmed that differing opinions within the group have postponed a formal response.

A significant faction of supporters is advocating for an alliance with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), suggesting that such a collaboration could enhance electoral chances due to the party’s organizational strength and voter base.

Conversely, those favoring a partnership with TVK argue that it could secure a larger number of seats and allow the OPS faction to negotiate preferred constituencies.

The seats being sought by the OPS faction, now branded as the AIADMK Rights Retrieval Kazhagam, are predominantly situated in the southern districts of Madurai, Ramanathapuram, and Theni, regions where Panneerselvam and his allies maintain influence.

Negotiations with TVK are being facilitated by OPS’s son, former MP O.P. Ravindranath, along with several former AIADMK MLAs. They have engaged with senior TVK leaders, including the party’s chief coordinator, K.A. Sengottaiyan, who has publicly stated that Panneerselvam is likely to remain independent while joining the broader TVK-led alliance, rather than merging his faction with the party.

Despite these indications, Panneerselvam himself has remained silent and has not made any public declarations regarding the proposed alliance.

Senior leaders within his faction are split, with some doubtful about the political benefits of aligning with TVK.

Estimates suggest that a majority may currently lean towards exploring a DMK alliance, while a smaller but vocal faction continues to advocate for finalizing the agreement with TVK.

As the Assembly elections draw nearer, both groups are expected to persist in negotiations, as Panneerselvam assesses competing political factors before making a final decision.