O. Panneerselvam

O. Panneerselvam is an Indian politician from Tamil Nadu and a three-time former Chief Minister of the state.

Known for his long administrative experience, he has held key responsibilities in finance, home affairs, and public administration. He played a prominent role in Tamil Nadu politics for decades and remained a recognisable mass leader.

As of February 2026, he joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, marking a new phase in his political journey.

By Rashmi | Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:55:49 AM [IST]

O. Panneerselvam Biography

O. Panneerselvam or "OPS", is a veteran politician from Tamil Nadu with a public career spanning more than two decades. He entered politics through grassroots activity in Theni district and rose steadily within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), where he spent the major part of his political life. His early years were shaped by constituency-level work and organisational responsibilities, which laid the foundation for his rise in state politics.

Panneerselvam rose to statewide prominence when he was appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the first time in 2001, serving during Jayalalithaa’s disqualification period. He later served two more terms as Chief Minister in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, each time acting as a caretaker leader during political transitions within the party and government.

Apart from his tenure as Chief Minister, he has held key ministerial portfolios, including Finance, and served as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he played a significant role in government coordination and administration following the demise of Jayalalithaa.

Following political developments in 2022, Panneerselvam separated from the AIADMK, ending a long association with the party that defined much of his earlier career. In the later phase of his career, Panneerselvam continued to remain active in state politics, participating in electoral contests and political realignments.

In February 2026, O. Panneerselvam formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, marking a decisive shift in his political career after decades of association with the AIADMK.

O. Panneerselvam Personal Life

Full Name	O. Panneerselvam
Date of Birth	14 Jan 1951 (Age 75)
Place of Birth	Periyakulam, Theni
Party Name	Dravida Munetra Kazhagam
Education	12th Pass
Profession	Agriculture
Father's Name	Ottakkara Thevar
Mother's Name	Palaniammal Nachiar
Spouse's Name	P. Vijayalakshmi
Spouse's Profession	Home maker
Children	2 Son(s) 1 Daughter(s)
Religion	Hindu
Caste	Maravar

O. Panneerselvam Net Worth

Net Worth

₹4.49 CRORE

ASSETS

₹6.02 CRORE

Liabilities

₹1.53 CRORE

Education Qualification of O. Panneerselvam

O Panneerselvam earned a B.A. degree from the Haji Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam.

Interesting Facts about O. Panneerselvam

1. He never lost in Assembly elections.
2. His stand taken against Sasikala called "Dharmayutham" become huge talk among Tamilnadu people, both positive and negative way.

Political Timeline of O. Panneerselvam

2026: On 27 February 2026, he formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai following his expulsion from AIADMK.
2023-2025: Continues as a senior AIADMK leader, active in Tamil Nadu politics and maintaining influence within the party despite internal rifts.
2021: Re-elected as MLA from Bodinayakanur (AIADMK).
2017: Became the 2nd Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu under Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami after the merger of AIADMK factions.
2016: Re-elected from Bodinayakanur and once again became Chief Minister following Jayalalithaa’s death in December.
2014: Took charge as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after Jayalalithaa’s conviction in the disproportionate assets case; stepped down upon her return.
2011: Elected as MLA from Bodinayakanur and appointed Finance Minister in the Jayalalithaa government.
2006: Re-elected as MLA from Periyakulam (AIADMK) and served in the opposition as the DMK came to power.
2001: Elected as MLA from Periyakulam (AIADMK) and became the 6th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu when J. Jayalalithaa was disqualified.
1996: Entered electoral politics and was elected as Chairman of Periyakulam Municipality, marking his first official political position.
1969: Paneerselvam started his political career as a worker of the then united DMK in 1969 at the age of 18.

O. Panneerselvam Early Life

2017: After paneerselvam and team capturing ADMK in 21 August 2017, he became the Deputy Chief minster of Tamilnadu.
2016: Paneerselvam was re-elected from Bodinayakkanur constituency. Later he was elected as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after demise of Jayalalitha.
2016: He became the the leader of opposition in 2006 after ADMK party lost the election.
2015: After Jayalaitha was released, she became chief minster, and Pannerselvam was appointed as Minster of Public Work Department.
2014: Again became the chief minister of Tamilnadu after Jayalalitha got convicted second time
2011: He won from Bodinayakkanur constituency. He became the Minister of Finance of Tamilnadu assembly in 2011.
2006: Panneerselvam again won from Periyakulam and was made the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for about two weeks after AIADMK lost the elections.
2001: Paneerselvam won Assembly election from Periyakulam constituency. He became the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in September 2001 when Jayalalithaa was convicted by the Supreme Court of India.
1996: He became a Chairman of Periyakulam Municipality from 1996 to 2001.
1973: He joined the AIADMK in 1973 after M. G. R split from DMK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs on O. Panneerselvam)

Who is O. Panneerselvam's wife?
P. Vijayalakshmi is the wife of O. Panneerselvam.
From which party does O. Panneerselvam belong to?
O. Panneerselvam belongs to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) political party.
How old is O. Panneerselvam?
O. Panneerselvam is 71 years old (As of 2022).
What is O. Panneerselvam's full name?
O. Panneerselvam's full name is Ottakarathevar Panneerselvam.
What is O. Panneerselvam's qualification?
O. Panneerselvam earned a B.A. degree from the Haji Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam.
Who was the 2nd Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
O. Panneerselvam was the 2nd Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Who was the 6th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
O. Panneerselvam was the 6th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Who is O. Panneerselvam?
O. Panneerselvam served as the 6th Chief minister and the 2nd Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

O. Panneerselvam Latest News & Updates

Joined DMK – 27 February 2026
Formally inducted into the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on 27 February 2026 in the presence of party leadership in Chennai. The move followed his expulsion from AIADMK and is viewed as a major political shift ahead of the Assembly elections.

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