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Panneerselvam Weighs DMK Departure Amidst Growing Frustrations
Internal Tensions and Unmet Expectations
According to fresh reports, O Panneerselvam is contemplating a departure from the DMK fold after half a year of association with the party. The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has expressed dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of events within the alliance.
Before aligning himself with MK Stalin ahead of this year’s assembly elections, the veteran AIADMK leader had engaged in a fierce contest against Edappadi Palaniswami for party supremacy. Despite being a longstanding political adversary, Panneerselvam chose to contest from his traditional stronghold of Bodinayakkanur under the DMK banner. His victory came during a period when the TVK was experiencing significant momentum throughout the state, effectively disrupting the long-standing dominance of the two major Dravidian parties.
Reports indicate that OPS had anticipated receiving substantial responsibilities in the Theni Lok Sabha constituency following his entry into the DMK. Nevertheless, after six months have elapsed, Thanga Tamil Selvan continues to serve as Stalin’s primary representative in that area. Both Panneerselvam and his son, OP Raveendranath, feel this arrangement does not align with their expectations, prompting them to explore other options.
Previous Rumors Dismissed
Earlier during July, when similar speculation emerged regarding OPS’s potential shift to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he addressed the matter directly.
“This is a rumour and political mischief-makers are behind this. It is a rumour, plain and simple. There is nothing more to it. Hence, the claim does not warrant scrutiny at all,” he reportedly stated.
During that same period, Panneerselvam emphasized his confidence in the DMK, describing it as “the parent body, the fountainhead of the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.” However, the current situation appears to be testing that faith as he evaluates whether remaining in the party serves his political interests best.
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