MLA’s death, ‘ouster’ of town secy add to Vellore DMK woes

While Devaraj’s proximity to the AIADMK was cited as the reason for cadres’ anger at his nomination even as Tirupattur MLA Nallathambi-who was in the office-did not reportedly step out during the fracas, Sarathy Kumar was allegedly ousted following his wife charging him with bigamy, threats to her family members and mental torture when she filed a complaint at the Chennai police commissioner’s office a few days ago.

However, what seems to have taken cadre by surprise was Sarathy Kumar’s relatives being informed by party treasurer Duraimurugan that he had informed Stalin that he (Duraimurugan) and Vaniyambadi needed Sarathy Kumar as party secretary. He then also called on those present to leave in peace as necessary action would be taken. “That Duraimurugan chose to openly state what was purportedly against a high command decision, galled many in the Katpadi area, but knowing his clout, many prefer to wait and watch as the State Assembly elections are just months away,” a senior DMK functionary said.

The passing of Gudiyattam DMK MLA S Kathavarayan on Friday is another shocker for the party which only a day ago lost its Tiruvottiyur legislator. But for the AIADMK cadre, the question now seems to be whether at least now Commercial Taxes Minister and party’s Vellore west secretary will be able to assure a win.

“Having lost the Gudiyattam and Ambur bypolls and the Vellore Lok Sabha election, it waits to be seen whether he will be able to command loyalty of the cadre for a win,” a senior functionary said. “And for that to happen, Chief Minister and party joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami will have to focus on Vellore and fill up vacancies pending for more than a year,” said cadre K Krishnan.