A few changes in DMK likely, but no major rejig

Though party working president M K Stalin, in an open letter to the cadre on completion of the two-month-long review of the party’s functioning, reiterated his commitment to weed out a ‘few’ from the party, sources with knowledge of the issue admitted that there won’t be any major organisational rejig. Going by the tone and tenor of the statement, Stalin would likely make some administrative changes. 

“The high command might change a few ‘powerless’ lower-level functionaries or divide party districts. Otherwise, no major change will made in the ranks a year ahead of the Parliamentary election,” said a senior functionary. “Who will work if you replace district secretaries before an election year. Also, most of the current district secretaries were appointed by him. If he replaces them on the grounds of non-performance, his decision will stand questioned?” the functionary said, adding that secretaries of a few districts admitted to facing difficulties in managing vast areas. Such districts would be divided further. However, some bifurcated districts like Tiruvallur would be deemed fit to have just one secretary, a source added. 

The three-member committee headed by former minister T R Baalu has yet to submit its report on streamlining the party. “The report is expected in a few days. Even the committee had admitted to facing difficulties in making suggestions common to all districts. Issues were different in different districts. The committee has also recommended district-specific solutions,” revealed a member of an executive-committee. “Inputs received during the review meetings vindicated the fears of the high command that there was a major communication gap between the leadership and lower rung cadre. Participants were happy being able to voice their views directly to the leader. Stalin has made note of the grievances, mainly a few district secretaries who had treated the lower-level functionaries with the due respect they deserve. Such functionaries would be warned,” added the member.