In a significant shift, senior leaders of Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party, the AIADMK, have adopted a conciliatory tone towards expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and TTV Dhinakaran. This change in stance comes just a day after Union Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to the state, hinting at a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
A Marked Departure from Earlier Hardline
AIADMK organisational secretary D. Jayakumar stated that party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) would take the final decision on the question of including OPS and Dhinakaran. This marks a clear departure from the party's earlier categorical rejection of any rapprochement. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Jayakumar remarked, "There is time to decide on alliances. Let us wait and see."
When questioned about the softened position, Jayakumar explained that there was no need for harsh remarks if the other side was not being aggressive. Regarding OPS's recent criticism of EPS, he said the general secretary would decide on the response. However, he strongly defended the party's unity, stating the AIADMK was not a "shredded garland" but a "temple tower," dismissing comments from OPS supporters as coming from "fallen bricks."
Discussions Underway Across Parties
Echoing the sentiment of ongoing negotiations, AIADMK spokesperson Vaigaichelvan confirmed that discussions were progressing to bring more allies into the fold. He indicated that clarity on the matter would emerge soon. Deputy general secretary K.P. Munusamy also aligned with this view, stating that EPS would decide on including OPS or Dhinakaran, a contrast to his earlier statements.
Meanwhile, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief coordinator K.A. Sengottaiyan revealed that talks were actively underway with both OPS and Dhinakaran to bring them into a TVK-led alliance. Speaking in Coimbatore, Sengottaiyan said, "Everyone is talking to everyone, but no decision has been taken yet. We can expect good decisions soon." He, however, ruled out any negotiations between TVK and the Congress party.
Leaders Await Final Call as EPS Focuses on 2026 Goal
While senior leaders have opened the door for dialogue, party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has remained silent on the specific issue of reintegrating the expelled leaders. On Wednesday, after paying floral tributes to party founder M.G. Ramachandran on his death anniversary at the Marina memorial, EPS vowed to defeat the ruling DMK and return the AIADMK to power in the 2026 state elections.
From the other side, TTV Dhinakaran, speaking in Theni, dismissed media reports claiming his party, the AMMK, had been offered six seats in a potential AIADMK-BJP front. He stated, "The alliance itself has not taken shape. Talking about seat allocation now is absurd." Dhinakaran confirmed that major parties had approached the AMMK and assured that any decision would be taken with Tamil Nadu's interests in mind.
This sudden softening of rhetoric by multiple AIADMK stalwarts suggests a strategic recalibration, potentially influenced by broader alliance dynamics involving the BJP. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu appears to be entering a fluid phase, with all eyes now on Edappadi K. Palaniswami's final call.
