News Tamil Nadu

DMK’s Internal Strife Exposed: Ward Secretary Laments At Party Leadership At Trichy Meeting

September 4, 2024
The Commune

Internal discontent within the DMK seems evident after the party held a General Membership Meeting recently. The meeting was aimed at strengthening the organization and energizing cadres across the state. However, instead of a unified front, the meeting saw cadres expressing frustration with their immediate leaders. On stage, these disgruntled members accused their district heads of neglect and of only being involved in consolidating votes before elections. This outcry caused a stir within the party that preaches social justice to others.

The outcry occurred during a conference organized by the Trichy West Metropolitan DMK, held at a private wedding hall on 2 September 2024. The General Members Meeting, led by District Secretary Vairamani and presided over by DMK Metropolitan Secretary and Mayor M. Anbazhagan, aimed to address strategies for the upcoming assembly elections, including voter outreach and government formation. The meeting also provided an opportunity for ward secretaries to voice their concerns.

Among the grievances, the 27th Ward Secretary’s speech stood out. He expressed frustration with the administrators, claiming that grassroots volunteers were only valued for vote gathering during elections and were otherwise neglected. He criticized the lack of support from district and city secretaries, highlighting their failure to engage with local leaders and the community despite numerous visits by the association president to Trichy.

27th Ward DMK Secretary Kaalaiyan said, “We are the ones who secure victory with a margin of two thousand, three thousand, four thousand votes, but we have no respect. But, look City secretary is calling, will say not to talk.” He continued with pride, saying, “Among the 65 circle secretaries, Kaalaiyan was the one to erect a statue for our leader.”

Kaalaiyan further criticized Councilor Kajamalai Vijay, who had previously assured him that if his ward demonstrated greater cadre strength than others, he would promptly address any concerns. Kaalaiyan lamented that no significant actions had been taken and that promises, such as a job offer for his nephew in the health department, remained unfulfilled. His remarks struck a chord with the DMK general members, eliciting loud applause and leaving key executives visibly shocked.

What was even more startling was Mayor Anbazhagan’s promise to address these issues during future visits. Despite this assurance, the 27th Ward Secretary remained skeptical, believing that no real changes would occur. He then returned to his seat, allowing others to speak.

Mayor Anbazhagan said, “Whatever development Kaalaiyan asks for his ward as a council member and as mayor, we have been fulfilling those requests. The only drawback is regarding a job offer for his nephew. We will discuss with the minister and take necessary action.”

After DMK cadres began discussing and airing discontent over deep-seated internal politics, the leader intervened by asking the media to leave. They suggested that media could resume after the minister’s arrival, but the doors were locked shut, preventing any further access.

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