O Panneerselvam Denies Rumors of Quitting DMK to Join TVK

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK legislator O Panneerselvam on Tuesday dismissed social media rumors claiming that he is planning to quit the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and join the TVK. Speaking in Theni, the veteran politician firmly denied the speculation, stating that political mischief-makers were behind the false reports.

The rumors, which had been circulating widely on various social media platforms, suggested that Panneerselvam was toying with the idea of leaving the DMK to join the ruling TVK. When questioned about these reports, Panneerselvam clarified his stance, asserting that the claims are entirely baseless.

"This is a rumour and political mischief-makers are behind this," Panneerselvam said. "It is a rumour, plain and simple. There is nothing more to it. Hence, the claim does not warrant scrutiny at all."

Panneerselvam, who previously served as a three-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu under the AIADMK, was expelled from that party in 2022. Following his expulsion, he officially joined the DMK on February 27, 2026, in the presence of the then Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Reflecting on the current political environment in the state, Panneerselvam lamented that the political scenario in Tamil Nadu has become heavily focused on leaders switching loyalties. He strongly denounced this trend, describing the act of changing parties as a betrayal of the people's trust.

During his address, Panneerselvam reiterated his praise for the DMK, describing the party as the parent body and the fountainhead of all Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that he belongs to such an established outfit and argued that cheap rumors should not be spread.

He also pointed out that people have already started commenting about the TVK government. While he chose not to elaborate further on those comments, Panneerselvam concluded by stating that he hoped for dramatic political changes to occur soon.