Chennai: With AIADMK bringing changes in leadership, the DMK too is looking to anoint party treasurer M.K. Stalin as the working president in its January 4 general council meeting since the ageing party chief M. Karunanidhi is unable to carry the leadership burden.
The key question now is whether Karunanidhi will attend the general council meeting as he is unable to speak. The doctors had advised him to take rest and stay away from public functions. However, his physical presence at the general council when Stalin is elevated as the working president will be an endorsement for Stalin, although, the latter in any case has the full backing of the council members. If Karunanidhi is unable to attend the meet, his statement endorsing Stalin’s elevation is likely to be read at the council meeting.
Besides, the DMK which is keenly watching the developments in the AIADMK, is certain to devise its own strategy to take on the new AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala, who is a new comer to active politics. Since neither the AIADMK party nor its government have collapsed after the death of its supremo J. Jayalalithaa and her friend Sasikala seems to be strengthening her grip over the party, the DMK needs to quickly evolve its own strategy to tackle the fast-changing political scenario—particularly in the backdrop of strong speculation that Sasikala is all set to become the chief minister in the next few weeks.
Although, a few of Stalin’s supporters are hoping to get the post of treasurer which is being held by him, it is said he will retain the post even after becoming the working president. The youth wing is headed by Stalin, but it is a nominated post and Stalin himself could decide his successor should he choose to give up the job. Party MLA Mahesh Poyyamozhi and deputy secretary of the youth wing Vellakoil Saminathan are among those who could get Stalin’s nod.
Former Union Minister Alagiri’s frequent meetings with his father, Karunanidhi, have raised speculation of his re-admission into the party. His supporters are confident that he will be taken back before his birthday on January 30. But, there are no indications of the general council taking up the subject of Alagiri’s return to the DMK.
Besides, the post of deputy general secretary, which fell vacant after the death of Sarguna Pandian, has not been filled till now and there are demands for giving the post to Rajya Sabha MP and Karunanidhi’s daughter, Kanimozhi.
