OPS hints at AIADMK reunion after Madurai meet

In a significant political development, expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) has indicated the possibility of a reunion of various AIADMK factions, following the announcement of a state-level conference to be held in Madurai on September 4. The event, organised under the banner of the “AIADMK Workers’ Rights Retrieval Committee”, is being projected as a major turning point in OPS’s political journey and a platform to revive the party’s unity.

OPS, who met with key supporters including MLAs P H Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam in Chennai, said the conference would bring together loyal AIADMK cadres from across Tamil Nadu. “No force can appropriate the AIADMK. The party was built by the hard work and sacrifice of lakhs of cadres. This conference is not just a show of strength but a step towards reclaiming the values laid down by our leaders M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa,” he stated.

In a move that could shake up the state’s political landscape, OPS confirmed that he would extend personal invitations to expelled AIADMK interim general secretary V K Sasikala and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran to attend the Madurai meet. This marks the first public sign of an effort to bring together all estranged factions under a common banner.

Interestingly, OPS also softened his stance toward current AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). While he did not openly call for reconciliation with EPS, he hinted that key decisions regarding his camp’s future course of action would be announced soon. Political observers note that his toned-down rhetoric could be a calculated move to keep doors open for unity talks post-conference.

Responding to criticisms from the ruling DMK and its allies, especially the allegation that the BJP is trying to take control of the AIADMK, OPS firmly rejected the idea. “The AIADMK is a movement of the people of Tamil Nadu. It cannot be hijacked by any force, political or otherwise,” he asserted.

When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s jibe that EPS had become a “Sanghi” after aligning with the BJP, OPS refrained from attacking his rival, instead remarking, “You should ask that to the person concerned,” while smiling and suggesting the media seemed eager to provoke a split between him and EPS.

On the political entry of actor Vijay and the launch of his Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), OPS responded diplomatically. “He is making the right moves so far. Our support will depend on his future decisions, based on democratic values and the needs of the people.”

When asked whether his faction remains with the NDA, OPS gave a cautious reply: “Elections are still eight months away. Anything can happen.”

With these developments, the September 4 conference in Madurai is being closely watched by political circles. Whether it leads to a larger AIADMK reunion or the birth of a new political alliance will be revealed in the coming weeks, but one thing is clear—OPS is working to reposition himself as a unifier and a key force in Tamil Nadu politics.