Don’t stoop to conquer: Stalin asks cadre to abstain from prostration

In an apparent dig at their arch rival AIADMK where prostration before party leaders has become the norm if they wish to remain their bosses’ good books, the DMK statement read, “Supporters who come to greet Stalin get excited and prostrate before him. This made him uncomfortable. From now, those who wish to greet Stalin can proudly say ‘Vannakkam’ with love.” 

“Self-respect, rationality and self-dignity are the basic qualities of Dravidian parties. Let us weed away the practice of prostration followed by slaves,” the DMK communique added. 

The party supporters were also asked to desist from carrying gifts such as expensive bouquets and shawls and were instead asked to present books. “Party supporters can present books, which will aid in the growth of knowledge, and this had been stressed by Stalin at several meetings. The books presented by Stalin will be gifted to various libraries across the state,” the statement further read. 

In one of the resolutions passed in the General Council (GC) meeting, party functionaries were asked to set up libraries in all the district party offices. Following the announcement, the libraries would also be setup at the party offices in the Town, Union and other branch levels and the books given to Stalin would be presented to the libraries, read the statement. 

DMK supporters were also asked not to put up unnecessary banners. “The banners are meant only to inform the place and timing of meetings and should be erected only at important places,” the statement said.