DMK forms panel to revamp party

The committee comprising Rajya Sabha MP TKS Elangovan and MLA S Austin would be chaired by former union minister TR Baalu. The trio has been advised to table a report of its findings and recommendations before March 20. The announcement coincides with the extensive review of the functioning of the 65 party districts, which the DMK working president MK Stalin has been holding since early February. 

The DMK had ‘doubled’ its party districts from 35 to 65 in 2014 to decentralise power and facilitate better coordination. However, the party has realised it has only backfired and worsened infighting. 

“Voices of the lower-level functionaries often go unheard. District secretaries have been functioning like party chiefs in the districts. They have been using functionaries at the grassroots only to mobilise people for party events, mainly during leaders’ visits. 

There is a serious disconnect between the district leadership and union and area-level functionaries,” a DMK senior requesting anonymity said, citing the failure of Chennai north district secretary Sudarsanam in RK Nagar, where the lack of coordination and failure of foot soldiers made the party forfeit deposit.

“Infighting has been plaguing the party for long. I am glad the party has taken stock of the situation at least now. Inputs received in the review meetings held thus far have confirmed the leaders’ fears. The party has got into damage control mode finally,” a party executive committee member who did not wish to be named remarked, suggesting that the high command must revamp at least 13 party districts, where long-standing district secretaries have become white elephants. 

Grapevine has it that Stalin has planned to show the door to some district secretaries, who have become a burden and contributed little to the party despite reaping the benefits of the cadre’s hard work.