Hectic lobbying for Anbazhagan’s post

Chennai

At least half a dozen functionaries, mostly area secretaries have attempted to reach out the high command through their ‘contacts’ to become the secretary of the prestigious party district which comprises both the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam and memorial of former president M Karunanidhi on Marina. Thousand Lights MLA Ku Ka Selvam and former T Nagar MLA VP Kalairajan are two prominent names doing the rounds in the party circles. However, their AIADMK roots could be a deterrent to their elevation.

A party insider privy to the moves told DT Next that Anna Nagar area secretary Paramasivam, Mylapore area secretary Velu and area secretary of Triplicane could be in contention should Stalin chose to repeat history and pick an area secretary to head the district unit, as his father Karunanidhi did with J Anbazhagan a decade and a half ago.

However, age does not seem to be in favour septuagenarian Selvam who has been not in his active best of late owing to health concerns.

“Chennai west district is the nerve centre of the party. The district needs a resourceful boss because it requires heavy spending. However, money cannot be the only criteria. Secretary should not just be a big spending loyalist of the leadership, but a person acceptable to the rank and file,” said a senior party functionary on anonymity.

Another party senior disclosed that an area secretary who was close to Anbazhagan was one of the favourite contenders. Sources familiar with the plans said the youth wing secretary was actively considering elevation of one of his trusted lieutenants, the same way he did in Namakkal and Tiruchy district units.

“There are too many options because it is the most important party district. Stalin is in no hurry because the district covers some of the prestigious and upmarket constituencies in the capital,” said an influential party source, suggesting that Stalin could appoint someone as in charge or coordinator like he did with Karur and a few districts to avoid friction ahead of an election year.