Chennai, Dec 24 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is showing a growing inclination to align his party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Thondarkal Urimai Meetpu Kazhagam (AIADMTUMK), with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This comes on the heels of unsuccessful reunification efforts with the AIADMK.

A significant portion of the AIADMTUMK members has expressed their willingness to collaborate with TVK, led by Vijay, aiming to politically challenge AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who has rebuffed multiple attempts at unity.

Meanwhile, a minority within the party has shown interest in supporting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), indicating differing opinions among party leaders.

Panneerselvam, who leads the AIADMTUMK, has opted to delay any formal announcement until after the Pongal festival. While he postpones this decision, he has made it clear that he will no longer seek reunification with the AIADMK and will instead focus on creating a distinct political path based on current realities.

During this strategic shift, Panneerselvam consulted with district secretaries to gauge their preferences. Reports indicate that over 80 percent of them favor an alliance with TVK, arguing that the NDA has distanced itself from him, and that returning for a limited seat agreement would weaken his political influence.

These members believe that a partnership with TVK would enhance their relevance and bargaining power within the changing political dynamics of Tamil Nadu.

Sources suggest that about 15 percent of the functionaries, including some senior leaders, believe that supporting the DMK could be a more pragmatic choice; however, this perspective remains a minority view during discussions, with most leaders underscoring the necessity for a clear political realignment.

Senior members within the AIADMTUMK have stated that ample time has been allotted for reunification discussions with the AIADMK. Palaniswami's refusal has effectively ended that chapter.

Several functionaries have emphasized that future strategies should focus on defeating Palaniswami rather than pursuing reconciliation.

According to insiders, Panneerselvam has informed his close aides that the AIADMK's performance in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections under Palaniswami's leadership—marked by significant losses in various constituencies—has considerably weakened the party. He has suggested that any future alliance decisions will aim to politically counteract this decline and re-establish his significance in Tamil Nadu politics.