DMK set to elect new general secretary on March 29

Party treasurer Duraimurugan is the front runner for the post, which fell vacant after a gap of 43 years. Though most of the party seniors felt that Duraimurugan’s election was a mere formality, it has not discouraged a few leaders from speculating other names for the second most influential post in the party. Some DMK insiders are also dropping the name of propaganda secretary and The Nilgiris MP A Raja for the post. They reasoned that Raja’s election would silence the pro-Dalit activists questioning DMK’s commitment to Dalit empowerment and put a relatively young leader as second in command.

If Duraimurugan is indeed chosen as the general secretary, it would throw open the race for the post of treasurer – the third in party hierarchy. While Tiruvannamalai district secretary EV Velu is tipped to be the favourite for the coveted post, the second most senior party leader TR Baalu, who had recently vacated principal headquarters secretary post to KN Nehru, is also in contention.

Stalin might also consider appointing Velu as deputy general secretary initially before his elevation to a more powerful post because of his AIADMK roots. The names of Villupuram district secretary K Ponmudi and recently appointed principal headquarters secretary KN Nehru are also making the rounds for the treasurer post.

“Stalin might want to please Baalu who reluctantly vacated his post to Nehru. Also, being the senior most leader after Duraimurugan would make Baalu the natural choice for Stalin who has been strictly following seniority in the recent times,” said a party senior requesting anonymity.