Tiruchy unit likely to back Stalin at meet

TIRUCHY: The DMK unit here is likely to back treasurer M K Stalin, in case of a debate in the general council meet next week over the proposed changes in the party organisation that may make or break his chances of succeeding to the party throne.After a crushing defeat in the Assembly poll, the DMK’s general council meet next week in Coimbatore is certain to deliberate the reasons for the poll debacle.  The dissolution of district units is being mooted since some of the powerful regional satraps like S Arumugam and K Ponmudy, besides most of the district secretaries had lost the polls. A section of the party functionaries allege that the district secretaries were functioning in an autocratic manner and earned the wrath of people due to their corrupt and inefficient ways. This move will weaken many of the veteran leaders in the party, who are certain to oppose it vehemently. This is said to be a brain child of Stalin, who wants to remove all possible hurdles for his succession. Another proposal that is doing the rounds is the removal of certain district secretaries, who failed in the poll, without touching the senior leaders. But, this proposal would adversely hit Stalin’s supporters since most of the second generation leaders, who performed poorly, are said to be close to him.A total rearrangement of the organisation could enable Stalin to accommodate his supporters in key positions, while weakening the hands of veteran leaders. Bringing in new faces who may be supporters of Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi could also be opposed by Stalin’s supporters, as there is a possibility of Kanimozhi and Union Minister M K Alagiri joining hands in future to block Stalin’s succession.In this scenario, Stalin can be assured of the support of the party unit here, since the district secretary K N Nehru, who is considered to be loyal to Stalin, commands the support of rank and file here.