Chennai: Even because the Nationwide Democratic Alliance, led in Tamil Nadu by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, on Friday formally kicked off its marketing campaign for the 2026 meeting elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a giant rally in Maduranthagam, former chief minister O. Panneerselvam was not within the image. 

Regardless of being very a lot on the NDA’s political radar for the Meeting polls due in April-Could, Panneerselvam has not but been accommodated into the alliance, with AIADMK basic secretary Edappadi Ok. Palaniswami (EPS) but to provide the ultimate inexperienced sign.

AIADMK Basic Secretary Edappadi Ok. Palaniswami (EPS) and O. Panneerselvam (OPS) have been politically estranged because the management tussle between them after the dying of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2016. Over time, EPS has consolidated management of the get together.

After OPS and EPS factional divisions widened, the AIADMK basic council abolished the twin management association in 2022 and elevated EPS as interim basic secretary, eradicating OPS and his supporters from the get together’s major membership. 

Since then, OPS’s makes an attempt to reconcile with EPS and return to a unified AIADMK have repeatedly failed.

Nonetheless, OPS is now assured he would be part of the NDA alliance for the 2026 meeting elections. Talking to the reporters in Chennai earlier within the day, he mentioned that every part can be sorted in one other couple of weeks. 

“Wait for an additional two weeks. Every thing might be sorted and finalised,” he informed the reporters.

In keeping with sources aware about the negotiations, EPS’s reluctance stems from two key causes. First, Panneerselvam has insisted on contesting elections on the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ election image, which might imply he would turn out to be a member of AIADMK.

Second, OPS and his supporters proceed to legally problem EPS’s management and the way he was made the get together’s basic secretary, a case that is still pending earlier than the Delhi Excessive Court docket and the Election Fee of India.

“So long as he challenges the management, EPS is unwilling to politically legitimise OPS. From his perspective, it sends a contradictory message,” a senior AIADMK chief mentioned.

Whereas OPS’s reintegration stays in limbo, the NDA’s marketing campaign launch carried vital political symbolism.

Prime Minister Modi’s public assembly at Maduranthagam in Chengalpattu district was held below the banner of an AIADMK-led NDA rally, with alliance companions sharing the stage, together with AMMK chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran.

This overwhelming sea of supporters is sending a strong message throughout Tamil Nadu and your complete nation: Tamil Nadu is now prepared for change. The folks search freedom from the misgovernance of the DMK and are calling for an NDA and BJP-led authorities.

– PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/D8jM8NznyT

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 23, 2026

In distinction to the EPS-OPS state of affairs, TTV Dhinakaran’s inclusion within the NDA fold has been smoother as a result of his political ambitions usually are not linked to straight problem EPS’s management inside AIADMK. Dhinakaran, who’s a nephew of VK Sasikala, has no formal declare on AIADMK and has publicly reaffirmed his dedication for a broader opposition to defeat DMK.

The presence of each AIADMK and AMMK management on the identical platform marked an sudden political second, contemplating the bitter break up that adopted the dying of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. 

“This isn’t only a rally. It’s a message that previous rivalries may be put aside for 2026,” a BJP functionary informed ThePrint.

Nonetheless, not all allies have been current on the high-profile occasion.

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), OPS, and Puthiya Tamizhagam founder Dr. Ok Krishnasamy, who have been all NDA allies within the 2021 meeting elections, have been saved out of the rally, with seat-sharing talks nonetheless inconclusive.

Whereas OPS continues to be considered as a potential late entrant, sources indicated that Puthiya Tamizhagam is prone to be excluded altogether. 

“The AIADMK-BJP management is assessing that Krishnasamy’s induction may disturb the fragile Mukulathor vote base within the southern districts. The priority is electoral arithmetic, not ideology. Any disturbance in southern caste equations may backfire,” a BJP functionary concerned in alliance talks mentioned.

Whereas the prime minister’s rally marks the formal starting of the NDA’s 2026 marketing campaign within the state, alliance-building remains to be in progress. 

In the meantime, as OPS is made to attend and watch, his supporters have already began to modify camp, with two sitting MLAs—P.H. Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam—resigning as legislators and becoming a member of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam with different leaders, together with former MLAs.

(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)

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