Stalin clips wings of Udhayanidhi’s coterie

A DMK insider said Stalin has instructed Mahesh, who is party MLA from Tiruverumbur, not to interfere in party affairs outside Tiruchyt even in his capacity as state deputy secretary of the youth wing. Stalin was understood to have kept them on a short leash upon realising that the influence of the juniors actions on old timers, who were privately cribbing over the youth wing overreach.

Appointment of youth wing functionary N Sitrarasu as secretary of prestigious Chennai (west) party district, which contributed to the exit of Thousand Lights MLA Ku Ka Selvam was believed to have been the proverbial last straw that had prompted Stalin to ‘restrict’ them.

The disaffection was felt since the appointment of Mahesh and Rajesh as secretaries of Tiruchy and Namakkal. “It was widely rumoured in the party circles that Sitrarasu’s elevation was the handiwork of the coterie. At least KN Nehru was made principal secretary after Mahesh’s elevation. Sitrarasu’s appointment had affected more than a few seniors. Stalin had to silence dissent within and criticism outside. So, he clipped the wings of Udhayanidhi’s advisors,” said a party senior.

However, it did not prompt a few seniors from criticizing Stalin either. “The youth wing secretary or his deputies might propose any change. It is up to the president to decide. Why did he oblige? Anyway, it is good that the leader has acted before the overreach of the junior and his coterie began to influence ordinary people,” said a state level functionary.