Duraimurugan in run-up to General Secretary post, seeks support from leaders of all ages

Hours after DMK president M K Stalin announced the convention of the general council next Wednesday, the veteran got in touch with the invitees of the election. The octogenarian was understood to have called all leaders, young and experienced, over the phone on Tuesday evening to propose his name for the post of general secretary.

A reliable DMK source revealed to DT Next that the seasoned politician had even requested a few debutant MLAs of his liking to propose him for the second most powerful post in the part at the September 9 general council meeting as he wanted the support of both young and old alike.

If information from Anna Arivalayam were something to go by, deputy general secretary I Periasamy, principal secretary K N Nehru, district secretaries K Ponmudi and E V Velu were called by Duraimurugan.

Pertinently, several district secretaries on Wednesday collected applications from the party headquarters to file nomination in the name of Duraimurugan for general secretary post and Parliamentary party leader T R Baalu, who is the favourite to secure the treasurer post.

While filing of nominations would begin on Thursday, the choice of candidate would become apparent on Saturday when the withdrawal of applications ends. If none other than the two apply for the posts, the two old timers could be elected unopposed, which appears most likely as of now.

“Next week’s election would be a mere formality if none other than Duraimurugan and Baalu remain in contention by Saturday evening. We hear no other leader is interested in contesting either,” said a DMK senior on condition of anonymity.