Reporter’s Diary: Durga’s ‘influence’ in DMK district affairs take cadre by surprise

Supporters of Nagappattinam north district treasurer GN Ravi even ‘picketed’ the house of Durga Stalin in her native Seerkali recently. Though the picketing was attributed to ‘usual infighting’, the incident created a buzz in DMK circles after it came to light that it was a spin-off of a local functionary being made Seerkali union chairman with Durga Stalin’s blessings. The district treasurer was keen on securing the post for his wife with the backing of district secretary. The picketing was followed by heated exchanges when district office-bearers met to discuss Stalin’s meeting to the region. Ironically, the detractors, who got a whiff of the background moves, calmed down after a family member of the woman chairperson, ‘with enviable contacts’, brokered peace during the meeting. More than the intervention of the top brass, what has come to the surprise of DMK cadre is the extent to which the party’s first family had gone to help its favourites. They fear the high command may now not hesitate to poke its nose at even union level, which has always been the preserve of an influential few in the party.