Key focus on civic polls at AIADMK meet

According to highly placed AIADMK insiders, the senior leaders in both the camps reached out to the dissent voices and steps were taken to ensure that a disciplined and control district secretaries meeting is held. “As per the plan, the differences were buried, and no major decision related to the party’s performance in the polls and the leadership were taken and this was expected,” an AIADMK functionary who attended the meeting told DT Next.

“There is no threat to the party and to the government. The existing dual leadership will continue,” Minister D Jayakumar told reporters. Downplaying the leadership issue, he said Wednesday’s meeting was a routine affair to take stock of the situation following the general elections. Asked if the poll alliance with the BJP, the reason for the poor performance were discussed, Jayakumar evaded the query.

To a question on general council meeting, he said such decisions will be announced by Chief Minister Palaniswami and party convenor Panneerselvam.

Majority of former MPs were seen disturbed. Former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai was missing in action and an irked former MP Anwar Raja was also seen evading reporters.

Meanwhile, wall posters by party functionaries insisting Palaniswami and Minister KA Sengottaiyan to take up the post of general secretary created a flutter among the supporters of Panneerselvam.

The usual celebrations and enthusiasm of party cadre with AIADMK flags and festoons was missing on Wednesday and there were tense faces waiting for the outcome of the meeting. The MLAs were restricted to carry their mobile phones too.