The split marks a departure from OPS’s previously pro‑BJP stance. Earlier this week, he publicly criticised the Union Government for withholding ₹2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, attributing the delay to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to comply with the three‑language policy stipulations. He called the fund freeze an affront to federal principles and a violation of the Right to Education Act. Tensions escalated after OPS requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, describing it as a “singular honour” — a request that was reportedly declined, further deepening the rift between him and the BJP leadership.
OPS’s decision to disengage from the NDA comes amid speculation around possible realignments in Tamil Nadu politics. Analysts note that actor‑turned‑politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is positioning itself as a player, with TVK insiders confirming no formal talks yet but acknowledging OPS would need to exit the NDA before any alliance is considered. TVK has adopted a cautious strategy, intending to finalise alliance decisions only post its own statewide engagement later this year, and insists it would lead any coalition it joins.
OPS himself has neither confirmed nor ruled out future partnerships with TVK or the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Speaking outside Stalin’s residence, he remarked, “Anything can happen. There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics”. The fact that he met CM Stalin twice in one day has sparked further conjecture around a potential rapprochement with DMK, although neither side has signalled formal negotiations.
The move also underscores the marginalisation of OPS within his former party. Since his expulsion from AIADMK in July 2022 following a leadership struggle with Edappadi K Palaniswami, OPS had led a breakaway faction. AIADMK itself rejoined the NDA in April 2025 under Palaniswami’s leadership, further sidelining OPS and reinforcing his perception of being spurned by both party and ally.
Ramachandran reaffirmed that OPS’s faction would embark on a tour across Tamil Nadu to reconnect with the grassroots ahead of the polls. The committee will evaluate alliance options based on evolving political conditions, suggesting that its future trajectory remains fluid and contingent on state-level developments between now and early 2026.
Political analysts observe that OPS’s exit could reshape electoral equations in Tamil Nadu. With the DMK-allied INDIA bloc holding sway in recent national polls, the withdrawal of even a smaller faction from the NDA landscape may dilute the BJP‑AIADMK combine’s cohesion. Meanwhile, rising regional entities like TVK, if aligned with OPS, could present a credible third front challenging both DMK and AIADMK dominance.