OPS Launches Fierce Attack on EPS, Labels Him a Dictator Ahead of 2026 Polls
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing feud within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), senior leader O. Panneerselvam has launched a blistering verbal assault on his rival and former Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, has openly accused Palaniswami, referred to as EPS, of behaving like a dictator. He has gone a step further by asserting that EPS's leadership style and decisions have created a political environment where the AIADMK stands no chance of securing victory in the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.
A Deepening Rift Threatens Party Unity
The public condemnation marks a significant and potentially damaging new chapter in the long-standing internal conflict that has plagued the AIADMK since the passing of its iconic leader, J. Jayalalithaa. Panneerselvam's comments suggest that the factional divide, which has seen the party split and reunite in various forms over recent years, is far from healed. His statement directly challenges the authority and electoral strategy of EPS, who currently leads the party's primary faction.
"He has single-handedly created a situation where there is no path to victory for our party," Panneerselvam was quoted as saying, emphasizing his belief that Palaniswami's autocratic approach is alienating both party cadres and the broader electorate in Tamil Nadu.
The Stakes for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections
This public airing of grievances comes at a critical juncture, with political parties in Tamil Nadu already beginning to position themselves for the next state assembly polls. The AIADMK, a dominant force in the state's politics for decades, is seeking to reclaim power after losing to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the 2021 elections. Panneerselvam's accusation that the party is now "unwinnable" under EPS's leadership casts a long shadow over its preparations and morale.
Analysts suggest that such open hostility between two of the party's most prominent faces could severely undermine its campaign efforts, confuse its voter base, and provide a significant advantage to its political rivals. The internal discord threatens to divert attention and resources away from policy formulation and grassroots mobilization at a time when unity is paramount.
Historical Context of the Leadership Struggle
The power struggle between OPS and EPS is not new. It has its roots in the succession crisis following Jayalalithaa's death in 2016. While they have occasionally formed uneasy alliances, the underlying tension has repeatedly surfaced, impacting the party's stability and public image. Panneerselvam's latest remarks represent one of the most direct and personal attacks in this protracted conflict, moving beyond policy disagreements to a fundamental critique of leadership character and electoral viability.
The AIADMK's performance in the 2026 elections is seen as a vital test for its future relevance in Tamil Nadu politics. With Panneerselvam now publicly declaring the party's campaign doomed under the current leadership, the pressure on Edappadi K. Palaniswami to respond and demonstrate party unity has intensified dramatically. The coming months will reveal whether this internal rift can be bridged or if it will lead to a further fragmentation of the historic party as it faces one of its most challenging electoral battles.
