As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, political realignments and negotiations are underway among key players, with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as a potential platform for former AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam (OPS) and TTV Dhinakaran. The developments come at a time when the AIADMK, under general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS), appears to be softening its stance toward leaders who exited the party earlier this year.

TVK Initiates Talks

Former AIADMK minister KA Sengottaiyan, who recently joined TVK and now serves as the party’s chief coordinator, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with both OPS and TTV. Sengottaiyan, expelled from AIADMK for urging EPS to bring back OPS, Dhinakaran, and V K Sasikala, said: “Yes, we are speaking to them and hopefully they make a decision soon.”

TVK’s outreach is significant because both OPS and Dhinakaran had previously walked out of the NDA earlier in 2025 amid disagreements with the AIADMK leadership. Their potential alignment with TVK could reshape the dynamics of the state’s political landscape, especially in districts where the AMMK (Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, led by Dhinakaran) and OPS’ faction retain influence.

AIADMK Softens Stance

The AIADMK, traditionally rigid in its opposition to expelled leaders, has now publicly indicated a willingness to accommodate them as allies of the NDA, even if reintegration into the party is off the table. A senior AIADMK leader close to EPS noted, “EPS is unlikely to take them back into the party, but we have no problem if OPS and TTV join as allies in the NDA.”

This development follows a round of seat-sharing talks between BJP election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Piyush Goyal, and EPS. The BJP’s objective is to consolidate various AIADMK factions to strengthen the NDA’s electoral prospects in the state. While EPS remains firm in refusing the return of OPS and Dhinakaran to the party, he has indicated openness toward strategic alliances.

OPS and Dhinakaran’s Calculus

Both OPS and Dhinakaran remain cautious regarding their political options. Dhinakaran’s AMMK has already ruled out accepting EPS as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming polls. Speaking recently, Dhinakaran dismissed reports suggesting that AIADMK might allot six seats to AMMK should they rejoin the NDA. Instead, he emphasized that discussions are underway with multiple political parties: “What is important is whom we are ready to accept.”

Similarly, OPS’ faction, which calls itself the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Workers’ Rights Retrieval Kazhagam, has been evaluating strategic options, including potentially joining DMK—the arch rival of AIADMK—or aligning with TVK. According to an anonymous leader from OPS’ camp, joining TVK would not erode their allegiance to AIADMK, and many in the faction are leaning toward this option.

The decision-making calculus for both factions is driven by a combination of electoral pragmatism and ideological alignment. With the 2026 elections approaching, political leaders are weighing the benefits of a partnership with a rising regional player like TVK, while preserving ties to their original political roots.

TVK’s Strategic Role

Sengottaiyan’s move to TVK is also symbolic. As a former AIADMK minister, his presence lends credibility to the nascent party and signals its ambitions to attract disenchanted leaders from established Dravidian parties. For TVK, bringing OPS and TTV into discussions is a strategic effort to expand its footprint across Tamil Nadu, particularly in constituencies where AIADMK and AMMK historically maintain a strong presence.

Political analysts note that TVK could act as a third front, potentially altering the balance between DMK and AIADMK in several key districts. By engaging with both OPS and Dhinakaran, the party positions itself as a mediating platformcapable of bringing together disparate factions under a common electoral strategy.

Implications for NDA and State Politics

The ongoing negotiations have broader implications for the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu. The BJP, eager to consolidate non-DMK votes, is keen on maintaining unity among AIADMK factions. While EPS refuses to reintegrate expelled leaders, strategic accommodation of OPS and TTV as allies rather than party members allows the NDA to project an image of broader coalition-building.

The realignment also reflects a pragmatic approach to the state’s evolving political environment. With DMK likely to retain influence in several districts, the NDA faces pressure to maximize electoral efficiency by minimizing vote fragmentation among AIADMK, AMMK, and allied factions. TVK’s involvement could facilitate this consolidation without formal reconciliation within the AIADMK.

Historical Context

This is not the first time AIADMK factions have navigated splits and alliances. Historically, the party has experienced internal dissensions, often leading to the emergence of breakaway factions such as AMMK. Past election cycles have demonstrated that fragmented support can weaken the party’s performance, particularly in urban constituencies where vote margins are narrow.

By softening its stance and signaling openness to alliances, AIADMK under EPS seeks to mitigate the adverse electoral impact of internal divisions while maintaining a dominant role in the NDA. For OPS and TTV, aligning with TVK provides an independent yet politically viable platform to negotiate influence in seat-sharing arrangements.

Political Observers’ Perspective

Experts suggest that these talks reflect a pragmatic recalibration ahead of the 2026 elections. They note that:

• TVK’s emergence as a viable player could influence vote distribution in key constituencies.
• EPS’ willingness to accommodate former leaders indicates a strategic compromise to strengthen NDA prospects.
• OPS and TTV remain key bargaining chips whose eventual decisions could determine the outcome in multiple districts.

The fluidity of alliances underscores the complexity of Tamil Nadu politics, where factional loyalty, personal ambitions, and electoral strategy converge. Analysts also highlight that TVK’s outreach may pave the way for a broader coalition, potentially attracting smaller regional parties seeking relevance in the state assembly.

Conclusion

As the countdown to the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections continues, the engagement of TVK with OPS and TTVmarks a significant development in the state’s political landscape. With AIADMK softening its stance toward expelled leaders and the BJP actively seeking coalition unity, these talks have the potential to reshape electoral equations, particularly in districts where factional influence remains strong.

For voters and political observers alike, the evolving scenario emphasizes the importance of strategic alliances, the role of emerging regional parties, and the continuing negotiation of political power in one of India’s most dynamic electoral battlegrounds.