Reporter’s diary: Bypolls put brakes on DMK satraps’ hopes of elevation

The influential district secretary of Villupuram was hopeful that the general council would catapult his and son Gowtham Sigamani’s political career to new heights.

Rumours have it that Ponmudi has got a word from the party leadership on elevating him to a State-level post and allowing his son to step into his shoes. Ponmudi and another influential district secretary are expected to be appointed deputy general secretaries in the party, which requires an amendment to the party bylaw and stamp of approval of the general council.

The former minister’s hopes were belied a few days ago after the high command deemed it fit to postpone the meeting in view of the ensuing byelection. Ponmudi, if information trickling out of Anna Arivalayam was something to go by, might have to wait a while. The leadership has deferred its plan to replace incumbent general secretary K Anbazhagan with Duraimurugan and elevate EV Velu to the post of treasurer.

DMK president MK Stalin was content with making amendments that would allow him to acquire the powers of the president for the time being, instead of replacing the ailing general secretary who has been abstaining from active party work due to age-related illness. Ponmudi and KN Nehru might have to wait for a few weeks to become deputy general secretaries like I Periasamy.