Chennai, Nov 29 (NationPress) Former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) is reportedly contemplating the option of joining the DMK-led coalition for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections if his attempts to reconcile with the AIADMK do not bear fruit by the December 15 deadline he has established.

Sources indicate that many of his close allies have been advocating for him to align with the DMK alliance should a reconciliation with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) prove unfeasible.

During a recent gathering in Chennai, numerous members of the 'AIADMK Cadres Rights Retrieval Committee' - a faction supporting OPS - expressed their preference in writing for forming an alliance with the ruling DMK.

They contended that OPS, a three-time chief minister, should avoid joining actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which they label as "politically and electorally untested".

"There is no harm in aligning with DMK, as it adheres to the principles and philosophy of Periyar and Anna, our political ideologues. We are open to an alliance with them if circumstances necessitate. OPS will not engage in any actions that undermine the Dravidian ideology," a close associate of Panneerselvam informed the media.

While AIADMK legends M. G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa frequently criticized the DMK as an "evil force", OPS supporters argue that such sentiments should not be extended to the current leadership of M.K. Stalin-led DMK.

Additionally, sources reveal that OPS' longtime advisor Panruti S Ramachandran and other senior strategists have been motivating him to align with what they describe as the "winning coalition" in preparation for 2026.

The shift toward the DMK is also viewed as a political maneuver against EPS, who continues to uphold a strict policy against reintegrating expelled members, including OPS. Supporters have pointed out examples of senior AIADMK figures who transitioned to the DMK alliance, such as R M Veerappan and S Thirunavukkarasar.

At present, seven former AIADMK leaders are ministers in the Stalin cabinet, including E V Velu, K K S S R Ramachandran, S Regupathy, and S Muthusamy.

OPS' visit to Chief Minister Stalin's residence in July 2025, while the latter was recovering from a brief illness, is being interpreted by his supporters as a significant indicator, particularly since it coincided with OPS severing ties with the BJP.

DMK representatives assert that anyone aligned with Dravidian principles is welcome in their coalition.

"We do not reject anyone, especially those who are ideologically robust and can contribute positively to the alliance," a senior DMK leader commented, noting that OPS' inclusion could potentially create a major division in the opposition vote.

Recently, Panneerselvam remarked that the DMK-led coalition is poised to gain traction in 2026 due to the fragmentation within the AIADMK and the weakening of the PMK, further intensifying speculation regarding his next political move.