AIADMK gears up for local body polls

According to party sources, the high command strongly believes that the lack of commitment from party cadre during the December floods is the main reason for the party winning only six (RK Nagar, Mylapore, Perambur, Virugambakkam, T Nagar and Royapuram) of the 16 seats in Chennai district in the recent Assembly election. 

The party, which had won 14 seats in 2011 apart from the powerful mayor-ship, wants to regain its stature in the capital region by means of victory in local body elections. 

While a shuffle of district secretaries has ensured that senior cadres toe the line, AIADMK top brass was taken aback by the recent demonstration of party men at AIADMK headquarters on Avvai Shanmuam Salai against Chennai south secretary and former T Nagar MLA VP Kalairajan. The cadre carried banners quoting figures allegedly demanded by him to fill up various party posts. 

AIADMK, known for taking immediate action in disciplinary issues, however did not react this time, much to the surprise of observers. A senior party cadre, citing anonymity, said, “Action against party cadre might result in them working against their own contestants in the local body elections, where local issues will decide victory through small margins. Hence the party treads a cautious line.”

That is exactly why even Kalairajan has been spared for now, if another source is to be believed. “Our leader will take action at an appropriate time when it would not affect the party in any manner,” he said. On the other side, DMK too is leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in local body polls.