Several Indian leaders have switched political parties after losing their positions as Chief Ministers, with only one managing to return to the same role. O. Panneerselvam, a three-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has become the latest addition to a list of at least 22 such leaders. Among these leaders, Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu is the only one who successfully reclaimed the Chief Minister position after switching parties; others have taken significant roles like Central Ministers and MPs after leaving their original parties. In Goa alone, four former Chief Ministers have switched parties after losing their leadership roles, along with two leaders each from Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

In the twilight years of their political careers, some notable figures have also changed parties. For instance, S. M. Krishna, who switched to the BJP at the age of 85 in 2017, had been the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. His recent party switch highlights a trend among aging politicians seeking relevance in new party dynamics as they transition into post-political life. Similarly, N. D. Tiwari, a former Chief Minister of both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, also showcased this shift in loyalty after long tenures in Congress. These transitions often reflect changing political landscapes and the personal ambitions of these leaders, raising questions about loyalty and the political fabric of Indian democracy.