O Panneerselvam (OPS), the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has officially announced his exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This decision follows a period of growing dissatisfaction and a perceived lack of respect from the BJP, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined to meet with him during his recent visit to Tamil Nadu. The announcement was made by Panruti S Ramachandran, a former minister and a loyalist of OPS.

OPS had previously requested an opportunity to greet Modi upon his arrival in Tamil Nadu, but this request was not granted. This snub, coupled with other grievances, seems to have pushed OPS to reconsider his position within the NDA. Sources indicate that OPS felt "disrespected" by the BJP's actions.

Adding an intriguing layer to this development, OPS met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for a morning walk before declaring his exit from the NDA. This meeting has fueled speculation about a potential shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

OPS's decision to leave the NDA marks a significant turning point in Tamil Nadu politics. After a bitter power struggle within the AIADMK, OPS had distanced himself from the party and briefly aligned with the BJP. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate under the NDA banner, but he did not win.

Several factors contributed to OPS's growing discontent within the NDA. He openly criticized the BJP-led Union Government for withholding ₹2,151 crore in Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds for Tamil Nadu, citing the state government's refusal to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's three-language formula. OPS condemned this action as being against federalism and the Right to Education Act, affecting poor and needy students.

Furthermore, OPS's political standing had been diminishing since his expulsion from the AIADMK in July 2022 by Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). The BJP's apparent preference for EPS, who controls the AIADMK, further sidelined OPS within the alliance.

In the lead-up to this decision, Panruti S Ramachandran, a long-time advisor to OPS, had urged him to sever ties with the BJP. Ramachandran's appeal and the perceived lack of support from the BJP leadership appear to have influenced OPS's final decision.

Looking ahead, OPS is planning a statewide tour to prepare for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While there are currently no alliances with any party, future collaborations will be considered as the elections draw closer. An alliance with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is a possibility.

While OPS's exit may not significantly weaken the NDA, it could potentially lead to a split in Mukulathor votes in certain constituencies. Some believe that remaining in the NDA would further diminish his political relevance in the state.

The exit of OPS from the NDA has triggered speculation about potential realignments in Tamil Nadu's political arena. It remains to be seen how this development will unfold and impact the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.