The AIADMK chief assured party men that by-polls aren't expected any time soon, citing the court cases, and asked the cadre to use the time to effectively prepare the ground.

Chairing a consultative meeting of district secretaries at the party headquarters in Chennai, Palaniswami directed them to convene meetings in their respective districts, accelerate organisational activities and strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

He asked newly appointed district secretaries to maintain unity among cadres and work collectively to strengthen the organisation. They were also directed to fill vacant posts at various levels of the party in their respective districts.

Following the meeting at the party headquarters, Palaniswami held separate discussions with district secretaries from the six Assembly constituencies where by-elections are expected. At the meetings held at his Royapettah residence, he reviewed the political situation in the constituencies and the party’s preparedness for the electoral battle.

Palaniswami said the by-elections were unlikely to be held immediately and that the local body elections in the State could also be postponed. He, however, asked party functionaries to remain prepared for both elections.

The meeting took on added significance as AIADMK deputy general secretaries Natham R Viswanathan and SP Velumani, dissenters unhappy about getting their district secretary posts back, did not attend. Organisation secretary CVe Shanmugam was also absent, reviving speculation about continuing differences between some senior leaders and Palaniswami.

The AIADMK chief also discussed arrangements for statewide celebrations to mark the 118th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and Dravidian leader C N Annadurai.

He asked district secretaries to submit updated lists of Executive Committee and General Council members, with the party planning to convene an EC meeting next month. Under the party’s bylaws, the Executive Committee is required to meet twice a year, and the proposed meeting is expected to be the first of the year.

Palaniswami urged district secretaries to ensure unity among cadres and work collectively to revive and strengthen the organisation following its recent electoral setback.

The meeting also led to speculation that Palaniswami yielded to pressure from dissenters keen on holding the general council meeting soon. There were reports that the GC meeting could be held any time now. However, party sources denied any such chance, as the meeting could be used by dissenters to remove Palaniswami from the post of party chief.

According to insiders, AIADMK is expected to hold the EC meeting first next month and schedule the crucial GC before December. Under the law, the GC must be convened before the end of the year, giving Palaniswami ample time to quell internal challenges.