Post poll debacle, TTV plans district-wise brainstorming

Sources said both Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam have instructed their loyalists to woo the sulking AMMK functionaries, with their attempts starting to yield dividends. Aware of this existential threat, Dhinakaran has planned to hold district-wise consultations to strengthen the party.

According to former AIADMK MLA Ku Seenivasan, “AMMK cadre are switching their loyalty back to the AIADMK. More functionaries will return to the parent party soon.”

While launching the AMMK, Dhinakaran claimed that he would retrieve the AIADMK from both Palaniswami and Panneerselvam factions, but now the situation has changed with more AMMK functionaries deserting him, Seenivasan added.

However, senior AMMK leaders said the party was not under a threat. “We obtained nearly 8 percent of votes in the recently-conducted elections. The AMMK is still strong due to its large cadre base and strong leadership. Defeat and victory are common in TN politics, but our leader is attending to public issues,” opined AMMK South Chennai district secretary Sukumar Babu.

“Those leaving the AMMK will return after the current AIADMK government completes its term. Only parties with strong leaders will survive in Tamil Nadu. The AMMK has a strong leader and we will play a crucial role in the next general elections,” said Babu, who is also the party’s organising secretary.