DMK rewards turncoats from AIADMK, BJP with posts

Significant among the appointments was former AIADMK minister Raja Kannappan from Sivagangai who has been made a joint president of the DMK Election Works Committee. Former AIADMK minister Dr Vijay and incumbent AIADMK MLA Rathansabapathi’s brother Barani Karthikeyan and Vellore Gnanasekaran have been appointed secretaries of the election committee.

Also, former AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP R Lakshmanan who joined the party recently was appointed joint secretary of DMK doctor’s wing.

Former BJP state vice president BT Arasakumar was appointed headquarters spokesperson.

Likewise, SK Vedarathinam, a former legislator of BJP from Nagapattinam district, has been rewarded with the post of joint secretary of DMK Farmer’s Wing.

Another notable elevation was that of former minister EV Velu’s son Dr Kamban who would soon take charge as deputy secretary of DMK’s Doctor’s wing.

Velu, who was touted to be the favourite of Stalin’s family for the post of treasurer till TR Baalu edged past him, was said to be aggrieved over his elevation taking shape. His son’s elevation was understood to be done to calm the disgruntled Tiruvannamalai district secretary.

Barely a couple of days ago, the DMK appointed Thanga Tamilselvan as one of the secretaries (in charge) of Theni district. Tamilselvan was functioning as one of the propaganda secretaries of the DMK.

DMK MLA from Villivakkam, Ranganathan was the latest in the party to test positive for COVID-19.

Early this week, party MLA from Saidapet and former Chennai Mayor Ma Subramanian and his wife Kalpana had tested positive for COVID-19.

A few days ago, DMK had arranged tests for its party staff on the ground floor of Anna Arivalayam after AICC in charge of Tamil Nadu, Dinesh Gundu Rao who visited Stalin, tested positive.

Stalin, who also subjected himself to tests then, tested negative.