At a time the ruling AIADMK is facing leadership crisis following the sudden demise of its supremo Jayalalithaa and in uncertainty over get hold on affairs, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi is making swift moves to handover party’s fort to his son MK Stalin.
While, the AIADMK is yet to decide on the process of convening its general council meeting, statutorily to be held later this month and to elect its general secretary in the place of Jayalailthaa, DMK has decided to convene its general council meeting to be held on December 20. In this meeting, the party has given indication to elevate its treasurer M K Stalin to the post of working president.
Ensuring generation ship, in this meeting several supporters of Stalin would be provided key positions. Interestingly, the meeting date was decided following successive meetings between Karunanidhi with his two sons M K Alagiri and Stalin.
It may be recalled that Alagiri was expelled from the party, before 2014 Parliament elections, following his open rebellion against promoting Stalin as father’s successor. His frequent meetings with Karunanidhi in recent times raising speculations of his re-entry into the party. However, Stalin seems to be determined to oppose any rehabilitation of his brother into the party as he want to preserve unity of command in the party.
Though, 93-year-old party leader Karunanidhi continues to be active, his speech is not clear, despite his statements showing the same clarity and wit, proving that his mental faculties remain the same.
The party with 89 MLAs in the Assembly will have to chalk out its strategy inside the Assembly as well as outside, to take advantage from possible internal conflicts in the AIADMK.
Stalin has already assumed the leadership of the party in the Assembly and continues to be the face of the DMK. His elevation to a higher post will also pave the way for some of the senior leaders to move up the ladder as the treasurer post will be vacant. Some of Stalin’s trusted satraps are stagnating at district posts for a long time, finding it hard to get into state level positions.
