Expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at his residence on Thursday, just hours after announcing his break from the BJP-led NDA. While OPS said the visit was only to check on Stalinās health, his comment ā “There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics” ā sparked talk of a possible new alliance.Earlier that day, OPSās advisor Panruti S. Ramachandran said they were leaving the NDA due to repeated disrespect from the BJP. He spoke to the media after a meeting of the AIADMK Cadresā Rights Retrieval Committee. Three key decisions were announced: leaving the NDA, avoiding alliances for now, and launching a Statewide tour by OPS.
OPS stayed mostly silent during the press meet. Rebel AIADMK leaders R. Vaithilingam and P.K. Manoj Pandian also joined the meeting. The move came after BJP leaders reportedly ignored OPS, refusing to meet him during visits by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Later, OPS and his son OP Ravindhranath visited Stalinās house. He said it was a simple visit, adding that he had bumped into the CM earlier during a morning walk. “Whenever Iām in Chennai, I walk at the Theosophical Society. I saw the Chief Minister there today,” he explained.
When asked about a possible alliance with the DMK, OPS said, “I can’t answer hypothetical questions meant for TV debates.” Stalin later posted on social media thanking OPS for the warm conversation and shared a photo of their meeting.