India, May 4 -- O. Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, is a veteran Indian politician and three-time former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who remains a significant figure in the state's political landscape. He served as Chief Minister during three separate terms, 2001-2002, 2014-2015, and briefly in 2016 following the death of J. Jayalalithaa.

In a major political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Panneerselvam left the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He is now contesting from the Bodinayakkanur constituency on a DMK ticket, marking a dramatic realignment after decades with the AIADMK.

Born on January 14, 1951, O. Panneerselvam joined the AIADMK in 1973 and rose t...