TNCC revamp shows Alagiri on strong wicket

The reorganisation is comprehended as proof of incumbent Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president KS Alagiri cementing his position in the run up to the Assembly polls. Congress seniors, who fed rumours that Alagiri could be unseated just before the polls, as was done to Su Thirunavukkarasar ahead of last year’s Lok Sabha polls, have started realising that Alagiri was not unpopular among the national high command as they thought he would be.

A Congress functionary, who was among the newly appointed office-bearers said the reorganisation was proof that the Congress national leadership has put its weight behind Alagiri. A district Congress president described the recent revamp as a good-for-all list and said the incumbent TNCC chief had asked the high command to accommodate supporters of all factional lords as long as his list was accepted.

“AICC obliged Alagiri. The new list of office-bearers has Chidambaram and Alagiri written all over it. Also, others have been rewarded too. Hence, no leader is complaining about the new list. It is also proof that Alagiri has AICC’s backing,” said the DCC president.

A state level office functionary reiterated that there was no question of disturbing Alagiri till the Assembly polls, unless something undesirable happens. He said the information about Alagiri’s sacking were fuelled by some disgruntled elements personally targeting him.

“The only factor that could disturb the TNCC chief is acrimony with allies, especially the DMK. As it is, the DMK has no complaints about Alagiri. The two parties shared good camaraderie. So, there is no reason to disturb him any time soon,” the functionary added.