Anbazhagan’s demise opens doors for second rung leaders

It has been learnt that incumbent DMK treasurer Durai Murugan stepping into the shoes of his beloved ‘perasiriyar’ (as Anbazhagan was fondly addressed) was a matter of formality. Durai Murugan must wait till the organisational polls are completed and the general council meets to elect the new general secretary, provided the party president MK Stalin does not change his mind, which is highly unlikely.

The real surprise would be Stalin’s choice of treasurer. “Everyone in the party knows that Anbazhagan has been inactive for over a year. So, the election of Durai Murugan, who is the senior-most leader, as general secretary was on the cards. Second rung leaders have also been vying for the treasurer post in anticipation of the elevation for a while now,” a DMK senior, who did not wish to be named, told DT Next.

Going by sources in Anna Arivalayam, Tiruvannamalai district secretary EV Velu might be the choice of Stalin for the treasurer post, as was reported by this paper earlier. Any nick of the time change, which is highly unlikely, could happen if senior leader TR Baalu, who is also the Parliamentary party leader and who gave up his principal headquarters secretary post to KN Nehru recently, throws in his hat. “Stalin was favourably disposed to elevating Velu along with Durai Murugan months ago.

But he gave it a second thought following a request from Anbazhagan’s side. Hence, he had amended the party by-law and acquired powers on a par with the general secretary. Now, the decks have been cleared for all elevations,” said a party insider requesting anonymity. The general council of DMK had met in November last and amended the by-law, empowering Stalin to sack and appoint people, as does the party general secretary.