EPS Palaniswami Rejects OPS Return to AIADMK
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has firmly rejected expelled leader O. Panneerselvam’s (OPS) offer to rejoin the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Palaniswami said there is no chance of OPS returning to the party after being removed from membership by the party’s general council.
OPS Seeks Reunification
Earlier, OPS publicly said he was ready to reunite with the AIADMK under Palaniswami’s leadership ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. He had challenged other leaders to consider unity, but Palaniswami maintained the party’s decision to keep him out.
Party Stance and Election Context
Palaniswami reiterated that the general council’s unanimous decision to expel OPS from basic membership prevents any re-entry. This marks a continuation of the internal rift within the AIADMK after its split in 2022. The party is focused on contesting the upcoming state polls, and leaders have signalled a preference to move forward without OPS’s faction.
