OPS Camp in Talks with Vijay’s TVK Over 2026 Alliance, Seat-Sharing Key Hurdle

Chennai, Jan 2025 : Expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) is holding discussions with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), over a possible alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with seat-sharing emerging as the main sticking point.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said the OPS camp has demanded 20 Assembly seats as part of any alliance arrangement. After internal consultations, the TVK leadership has reportedly conveyed its readiness to offer up to 15 seats. The figure is said to be an upward revision from an earlier, lower proposal, indicating some flexibility on TVK’s part.

Despite this progress, the talks have not yet resulted in a final agreement. Leaders close to Panneerselvam said the delay stems from differing opinions within his camp, with no consensus reached so far on the political benefits of aligning with TVK.

A section of OPS supporters is said to be in favour of exploring an alliance with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). They argue that the DMK’s strong organisational structure and established vote base could significantly enhance the electoral prospects of the OPS-led group in 2026.

However, those backing a tie-up with TVK believe an alliance with Vijay’s party could offer greater bargaining power in seat allocation. They also feel such a partnership may allow the OPS faction to contest constituencies of its own choosing, particularly in regions where it retains influence.

The seats being sought by the OPS camp, which now functions under the banner of the AIADMK Rights Retrieval Kazhagam, are largely located in southern Tamil Nadu. Districts such as Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Theni are considered key areas, as Panneerselvam and his close associates continue to have pockets of support there.

Negotiations with TVK are being led by OPS’s son, former Lok Sabha MP O.P. Ravindranath, along with a handful of former AIADMK MLAs. They have been engaging with senior TVK leaders, including the party’s chief coordinator, K.A. Sengottaiyan. Sengottaiyan has publicly indicated that Panneerselvam is expected to retain his independent identity within a broader TVK-led alliance, rather than formally merging his outfit with the party.

Meanwhile, Panneerselvam himself has maintained silence on the issue, avoiding any public comment or announcement about the ongoing talks. Senior leaders in his camp remain divided, with several unconvinced about the long-term political gains of aligning with TVK.

Internal assessments suggest that a majority within the OPS camp may currently be inclined towards exploring a possible DMK alliance, though a smaller but vocal group continues to press for sealing a deal with TVK. With the 2026 Assembly elections still some distance away, discussions are expected to continue as Panneerselvam weighs his political options before taking a final decision.