O. Panneerselvam Says He Will Quit Politics if Any Wrongdoing Is Proven, Rules Out New Party

Chennai, Feb 2026 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday made it clear that he has no intention of launching a separate political party and declared that he would step away from public life if any wrongdoing on his part was established. Reaffirming his loyalty to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Panneerselvam said his sole objective was to protect the party’s legacy and restore its unity.

Speaking to reporters in Theni after paying floral tributes to former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on her 78th birth anniversary, Panneerselvam said he remained committed to the ideals and principles laid down by the party’s leadership. He garlanded Jayalalithaa’s statue and later addressed the media amid continuing tensions within the AIADMK.

Addressing speculation about his future political course, Panneerselvam firmly dismissed any suggestion of forming a new party. “There is no question of starting a separate outfit under any circumstances,” he said, adding that demanding unity within the AIADMK could not be construed as a mistake or an act of indiscipline. He stressed that if anyone could prove that he had committed a political or moral wrongdoing, he would immediately quit politics.

When asked about his relationship with T. T. V. Dhinakaran, the chief of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), Panneerselvam said he had “great respect” for him but declined to go into further details, stating that political decorum prevented him from elaborating. On whether he would contest elections again, he said such decisions would be left to “God’s will.”

Panneerselvam also took a veiled dig at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, stating that the controversial introduction of the dual leadership structure—coordinator and co-coordinator—was Palaniswami’s decision. He said he had accepted the arrangement only to prevent a split in the party at a critical juncture.

“They now claim that my role in leadership weakened the party. Would I ever act in a way that harms the AIADMK?” he asked, adding that the people of Tamil Nadu and party cadre would ultimately judge his intentions and actions.

Questioning the electoral performance of the AIADMK under Palaniswami’s leadership, Panneerselvam claimed the party had failed to register victories in successive elections. He argued that the present condition and decline of the party were the direct result of flawed leadership decisions. He reiterated that he and his supporters were pursuing a legal battle to reorganise the AIADMK strictly in line with the party constitution framed by its founder M. G. Ramachandran.

Turning to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Panneerselvam observed that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance remained united and strong, while the divided AIADMK faced serious challenges. In such circumstances, he warned, the DMK stood a strong chance of returning to power.

Concluding on an emotional note, Panneerselvam said he had endured betrayals and carried heavy responsibilities over the years. “After all this, you tell me what stand I should take,” he said, underlining once again that his fight was not for personal ambition, but for party unity and principles.