O Panneerselvam

O. Panneerselvam, a former AIADMK leader, has won the Bodinayakanur seat as a DMK candidate in the 2026 Assembly elections. He defeated Prakash S, marking a significant political shift in his traditional stronghold. The election campaign focused on welfare, industrial growth, and political identity debates.

Political observers said the resort meeting isn't just about protection, it’s about resolving a deep internal divide.

Tamil Nadu's political scene is in turmoil as AIADMK moves MLAs to a Puducherry resort following a fractured election mandate. Actor Vijay's TVK emerged as the largest party but fell short of a majority. AIADMK has firmly stated it will not support TVK, prompting the move to prevent poaching and maintain unity ahead of crucial government formation talks.

Tamil Nadu's high voter turnout signals a crucial election. Chief Minister Stalin's DMK seeks continuity, while the AIADMK aims for a comeback. Actor Vijay's TVK emerges as a significant challenger, particularly among younger voters. Key constituencies like Kolathur and Perambur are witnessing intense multi-cornered contests, setting the stage for a decisive outcome.

In a stunning shift, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has transformed Tamil Nadu's political dynamics, relegating the DMK to the opposition role and leaving the AIADMK trailing in third place. This new political force has made substantial strides in regions traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties, especially shaking up DMK's influence in the northern districts and the south's 'thevar belt'.

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party emerged as the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu, winning 108 seats. Despite this, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has paused an invitation to form the government, citing an "unestablished majority." This has triggered a constitutional showdown, with legal experts debating the governor's discretionary powers and the necessity of a floor test before an invitation.

O Panneerselvam, a former AIADMK chief minister, campaigns as the DMK's candidate in Bodinayakkanur after being denied re-entry into his old party. His shift, marked by posters of Stalin and a new political alignment, faces skepticism from voters accustomed to AIADMK loyalty, raising questions about his ability to win over his traditional base.

Rejecting EPS’s allegation that Sengottaiyan had betrayed him, the former minister told reporters here that he had helped EPS become the chief minister and the general secretary of AIADMK. “Then how could he call me a betrayer,” he wondered.

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are set for high-stakes assembly elections on April 23, with intense campaigns by national and regional parties. Over Rs 1,000 crore in inducements have been seized, and central forces are deployed in West Bengal. Key contests include Nandigram and the DMK vs. AIADMK battle in Tamil Nadu, with superstar Vijay's new party adding a twist.

Tamil Nadu's intense election campaign has concluded. The M K Stalin-led Secular Progressive Alliance has an edge. Edappadi K Palaniswami's National Democratic Alliance is a contender. Actor Vijay's TVK could influence the outcome. The election hinges on governance, identity, and federalism debates. Voters await the final decision.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami declares the upcoming election a direct fight between his party and the DMK. He criticizes DMK leaders for prioritizing family interests and dismisses their claims about the NDA. Palaniswami defends AIADMK's past achievements and its alliance strategy, asserting the party's commitment to Tamil Nadu's welfare.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami dismisses Vijay's TVK, framing the election as a direct contest with the DMK. He accuses DMK leaders of prioritizing family interests and criticizes their claims of growth, attributing current progress to AIADMK's past governance. Palaniswami also defends AIADMK's relationship with the BJP, contrasting it with the DMK's alleged subservience and corruption.

Kanimozhi criticised Palaniswami for his remarks about chief minister M K Stalin at an election campaign in Chennai’s T Nagar on Wednesday.