DMK mulls a bigger role for youth in party after poll loss

Chennai: Hit hard by the poll defeat, DMK has begun the process of making structural changes to improve organisational efficiency. Former chief minister M K Stalin held a meeting with the party seniors on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen the organisation.

Party leaders say one of the key proposals discussed by the DMK was a succession plan to general secretary Duraimurugan. DMK sources said that names of a few senior leaders are being discussed, but the talks are in the preliminary stages.

Party treasurer T R Baalu was proposed as a replacement for Duraimurugan. But since Baalu was also more than 80 years old, a section of the top leadership felt that younger leaders who could be more proactive can be considered. “No decision has been taken yet. Subsequently, other leaders would also be elevated and given new responsbilities,’’ said a DMK leader.

Another major organisational reforms under consideration is the increase in party district units from 78 to 115. “Some of the district secretaries have five or six assembly constituencies in their jurisdiction. The constituencies under them will be reduced to three. In the remaining places, younger district secretaries will be appointed,’’ said a DMK source. However, the constituencies under the hold of some of the senior leaders like E V Velu and K N Nehru will not be cut short, he said.

Another party source said that there are discussions on fixing the maximum age limit for district level party functionaries. “The age criteria may not be enforced at the senior leadership level. But it is important at the district, union and branch level to attract more youngsters. There is a general mood in the party that more youngsters should be given opportunities for a proactive role in the party,” the source said.

Stalin is awaiting the report from the 38 member panel he had deputed across the state to collect feedback on poll debacle. “The report is expected by June 10. The party high command would go through the major recommendations and fine tune its proposed changes in organisational structure of the party,” a DMK leader said.