Chennai: The BJP has given expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam an option of returning to NDA as an ally of AMMK. According to the proposal, OPS could be allotted seats from the quota of AMMK, said BJP leaders.OPS, however, is yet to accept the proposal. He told reporters on Wednesday that he would announce his decision on Thursday. OPS has also summoned his supporters for a meeting on Thursday morning.
The outreach comes amid efforts by the BJP to bring together splintered factions of AIADMK ahead of the 2026 assembly election. “OPS was offered two options – re-entry into the NDA through Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, where he could contest in the AMMK symbol. The other option was for contesting as an independent in BJP’s symbol. Under both scenarios, he could be allotted 2 or 3 assembly seats in the Madurai and Theni districts,” said a BJP leader.The proposal was given in the backdrop of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s firm refusal to accept reinduction of OPS into AIADMK. Asked about the ongoing talks, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran declined to comment on the proposal but reiterated the BJP’s position. “I was saying for months that all of them (AIADMK factions) should unite,” he told reporters on Wednesday. AMMK general sceretary TTV Dhinakaran, speaking earlier this week, said he `hoped OPS would join NDA eventually.’“O Panneerselvam, who became chief minister three times under the AIADMK, has now arrived at a stage where he could repay his debt of gratitude to the party,” he said. OPS too said, “The primary demand today is that all the fragmented forces of the AIADMK should unite. That is also my demand.”Speaking to TOI, Ayyappan P, the Usilampatti MLA and OPS supporter, said, “Our backing was required for the AIADMK camp to regain ground.” OPS’s political influence extended beyond mukkulathor community, Ayyappan said adding that his participation in an alliance was essential for victory.OPS has not responded publicly to the offer and, for now, BJP sources say the decision rests entirely with him.
