Nehru replaces Baalu as DMK principal secretary

The much talked about organisational shake up process has started in the DMK. The party has elevated its Tiruchy district secretary KN Nehru as principal headquarters secretary, replacing incumbent TR Baalu who is the Parliamentary party leader of the DMK.

An announcement made by party general secretary K Anbazhagan in Sunday’s edition of Murasoli said that Nehru has been appointed principal headquarters secretary, in the place of Baalu, as the latter holds the post of Parliamentary party leader.

DT Next had reported earlier that Delta strongman Nehru would be ‘rewarded’ with a state level post, preferably principal headquarters secretary.

Understandably, the appointment has created minor unrest with Baalu protesting his ‘demotion’ and a few other second rung leaders kept waiting. And it is believed to have been the reason for the delay in announcing the elevation, which, party sources admitted, was originally planned during the recently concluded state executive council meeting.

Baalu was believed to have cited his seniority and objected to Nehru stepping into his shoes when DMK president MK Stalin had consulted him a few weeks ago. An unhappy Baalu had even left for New Delhi, unable to withstand pressure from Stalin, who had vainly engaged TRB Raja to placate his father Baalu, who had even removed his belongings from the office of the headquarters secretary at Anna Arivalayam last week, making way for Nehru who has the support of almost the entire party rank and file, including treasurer Duraimurugan.

Though the state-level post was a matter of significance in the DMK, it required some effort on the part of party chief Stalin to convince Nehru into giving up his hold in his native Tiruchy district and take up the new assignment.

Stalin was keen on ‘rewarding’ Nehru notwithstanding, the elevation was also construed as a strategy by the DMK chief and his family to vacate a district secretary post for incumbent Tiruverumbur MLA and youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin’s friend Mahesh Poyyamozhi in Tiruchy.

It was learnt that Nehru, who is known for his admirable organisational skills, election management and connect with the grass root-level party workers, was not keen on losing his grip in native Tiruchy district, which could soon be served on a platter to a relatively young Mahesh who also hails from the same district.

“Ponmudi is senior to Nehru. But every party worker would agree that Nehru was the most deserving among the second rung leaders for the elevation. The party’s performance in the recently concluded local body election is testimony to his merit. It is one district where the ruling party was obliterated. We had the most convincing victory from Tiruchy,” said a party senior who did not wish to be named.