O. Panneerselvam: The Lonely Survivor in Dravidian Politics

A digital illustration of O. Panneerselvam, capturing the seasoned Tamil Nadu leader amidst shifting political tides.

In the complex chessboard of Tamil Nadu politics, few figures have had a trajectory as dramatic and uncertain as that of O. Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS. Once a loyal confidant of the late J. Jayalalithaa and a three-time Chief Minister, OPS is now navigating political wilderness—estranged from both his own party, the AIADMK, and the BJP-led alliance he once embraced.

OPS's recent overtures toward Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, including an unexpected meeting at the Theosophical Society followed by a closed-door discussion at the latter’s residence, mark a sharp turn in a career defined by loyalty to the anti-DMK narrative. For a man who once wore “anti-DMKism” like a badge of honour—following in the ideological footsteps of M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa—these gestures have sparked wide speculation and surprise.

A Career Marked by Loyalty—and Isolation

Panneerselvam’s political story began humbly. Rising from a tea seller in Periyakulam, he joined the AIADMK in the late 1970s and slowly climbed the ranks through his reputation for humility and obedience. It was this very loyalty that made him the party's fallback Chief Minister during critical junctures—when Jayalalithaa was disqualified, jailed, or passed away.

He was handed the reins in 2001, 2014, and 2016, always seen as a temporary steward until Jayalalithaa could return or a stronger leader could take charge. This reputation as the party’s dependable understudy earned him both affection and ridicule.

The ‘Dharmayudham’ Against Sasikala

The turning point came in 2017, when he launched a dramatic rebellion against V.K. Sasikala, Jayalalithaa's close aide. After an emotional meditation at her memorial, he accused Sasikala of forcing him to step down as Chief Minister and declared a “righteous war” against her family’s influence in the AIADMK. For a brief moment, OPS was seen as a hero, fighting for the party’s purity.

He later reconciled with Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and became Deputy Chief Minister, but the alliance proved unstable. Feeling politically marginalised, he reconnected with T.T.V. Dhinakaran, Sasikala’s nephew, though that too didn’t yield much in electoral terms.

Embracing—and Losing—the BJP

Following Jayalalithaa’s demise, OPS aligned himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party, even becoming a regular figure alongside top national leaders. His support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visible—he was present during Modi’s 2019 Varanasi nomination and hailed Amit Shah as “modern-day Chanakya.”

But times have changed. As recently as July, his request to meet the Prime Minister during a Tamil Nadu visit was turned down. In contrast, EPS, now AIADMK general secretary and OPS's long-time rival, was warmly received.

This cold shoulder became formalised when the OPS faction exited the NDA, citing the Centre’s refusal to release Samagra Shiksha funds to Tamil Nadu. It was a stark signal that the BJP no longer considered him a political asset.

A Politician Without a Platform

OPS now stands at a political crossroads, with limited avenues left. While some suggest an alliance with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam could offer new ground, the dominance of the AIADMK-DMK binary in the State makes success for third fronts extremely difficult.

His recent interactions with Stalin and Udhayanidhi suggest he may be trying to secure relevance through new alliances, even if it means embracing former ideological adversaries. But the AIADMK’s traditional base may view this move as ideological betrayal.

Moreover, internal critics accuse him of being inconsistent and opportunistic—relying too heavily on shifting loyalties rather than a stable political vision. His distancing from Sasikala, reuniting with Dhinakaran, warming to the BJP, and now knocking on DMK’s door—these all paint a portrait of a man constantly adapting, but never settling.

End of the Road or New Beginning?

At 74, Panneerselvam may not have the luxury of time or political goodwill left. His image as a faithful follower has eroded, and his attempts to recalibrate alliances haven’t yielded much traction. Yet, if Tamil Nadu politics has taught anything, it’s that comebacks can never be ruled out.

For now, however, OPS seems caught in the liminal space of political irrelevance—no longer embraced by his own party, ignored by former allies, and yet to be welcomed by new ones.

His journey serves as a poignant reminder: in the ever-polarised world of Dravidian politics, loyalty is both a virtue and a liability, and survival demands more than just faith—it requires firm ground, which OPS is still struggling to find.

💬 What do you think—can OPS reinvent himself, or is this the final chapter of his political journey? Share your thoughts below!