In Tamil Nadu politics, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) stands as a calm yet inescapable and highly noticeable political presence. He has served as the Chief Minister of the State three times and was a trusted face of the late Chief Minister Dr. J. Jayalalithaa. Though his political journey has often been marked by a quiet patience, his individuality, unwavering loyalty to Jayalalithaa, and his calm, people-friendly nature made him a unique and inseparable figure in the state of Tamilnadu. His recent political moves have reignited interest in his relevance and influence.At crucial moments when Dr. J. Jayalalithaa had to step down from power, OPS assumed leadership – not for personal ambition but for the party and out of the trust Dr. J. Jayalalithaa had placed in him. His decision to vacate the post upon her return is remembered as the ultimate symbol of loyalty.Following the demise of Dr. J. Jayalalithaa the inevitable happened,b which was the internal split within the AIADMK followed by the rise of the Sasikala faction, and eventually the strengthening of Edappadi Palaniswami’s (EPS) leadership pushed OPS into the background. However, as the saying goes, “Even a shriveled mustard seed doesn’t lose its spice” – OPS proved his individual influence in the last Lok Sabha election by securing over 200,000 votes from the Ramanathapuram constituency without the “Two Leaves” AIADMK symbol.Exit from BJP Alliance :– A New Political EquationIn the current political climate, OPS stepping away from the BJP alliance is seen as a major shift. This is no ordinary decision. While the BJP has been striving to strengthen its foothold, especially in southern Tamil Nadu, OPS’s departure is a direct political blow.OPS’s core Strength is in the Southern Districts of Tamilnadu. OPS continues to enjoy significant support in key southern districts like Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi. In these regions, both AIADMK and BJP – whether individually or as allies – have struggled to establish deep-rooted influence. OPS’s strong community ties and personal goodwill cutting across all sections of the public have remained deeply rooted in these areas.Impact on AIADMK and BJP?If OPS contests the upcoming elections independently or aligns with another alliance, there is no doubt that AIADMK’s vote bank will suffer a major split.The BJP’s growth prospects in southern districts would also face serious setbacks.The AIADMK-BJP alliance could witness a significant drop in vote share.As a result, DMK may find a smoother path to electoral victory.OPS – An Unfading Political InfluenceAmid party splits and political pressure, OPS has shown the ability to retain his identity. Despite the emergence of Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, and EPS, the name OPS still holds considerable weight in southern Tamil Nadu.The Next Political Chapter :-OPS’s exit from the BJP alliance can also be seen as an effort to reassert his individuality and reestablish his independent political identity. The impact of this decision will become clear in the 2026 state assembly elections.This political realignment is certain to pose serious challenges for both the AIADMK party and its alliance with the BJP.– Dhravida Jeeva
