After DMK dist secys, IT wing opposes I-PAC

Though he did not daringly object to the engagement of I-PAC for 2021 Assembly polls in a meeting chaired by DMK president MK Stalin, as did the Chennai district secretary last week, the investment banker turned MLA was understood to have expressed reservations to the poll consultant overshadowing the social media wing he heads and steal the credits for their hard work. The resistance came to light when one of the IT wing office-bearers raked it up in a virtual meeting on May 17.

Thiagarajan, party insiders revealed, had instructed his IT functionaries not to engage I-PAC without his consent, after an IT wing functionary drew his attention to the consultancy pestering him for data. The IT wing had a tiff with I-PAC recently over the latter insisting on their inclusion in local WhatsApp groups in each district.

Thiagarajan obliged after some resistance and eventually made I-PAC executives’ administrators of the groups. The consultant from north got on the nerves of the media wing not only in joining the groups, but calling the shots in social media planning.

“Even district secretaries are advised by I-PAC executives on ways to handle social media to gain mileage. The high command has given the nod to the consultant to put party resources to good use. The secretaries of a few wings might resist, they have to fall in line.

There is no point in resisting. In the best case scenario, the leadership might ask the consultant to go easy on some second rung leaders who feel their authority has been challenged. Otherwise, nothing will change.

Party functionaries should get used to it,” reasoned a party senior who did not wish to be named.