CHENNAI: The much-expected purge in the DMK failed to happen, as the post-Lok Sabha poll crackdown reportedly initiated by heir apparent M K Stalin with the suspension of 33 functionaries, ended a damp squib on Saturday. It indicated that patriarch M Karunanidhi continued to be the final arbiter and held the reins of the party that was mauled in the General Elections.
Of the 33 suspended functionaries, the axe fell on just one; all others were let off. Only former minister V Mullaivendan, who was in-charge of Dharmapuri South district, was expelled for anti-party activities during the elections, said general secretary K Anbazhagan.
Even former Union minister S S Palanimanickam and Inbasekaran were let off as the party was apparently satisfied with their explanations. That Anbazhagan was silent on the status of Rajya Sabha MP K P Ramalingam, a close associate of disgraced former Union minister M K Alagiri, pointed to Stalin not yet taking complete control. For, soon after he was suspended, Ramalingam had described the action as autocratic and an insult to someone who faithfully served the party for about 25 years.
Anbazhagan said except one or two functionaries, all others had explained that the complaints lodged against them were done due to ‘local issues’ and that they had never acted against the party. They also contended that considering their service to the DMK in the past, they should be allowed to continue in the party.
“As such, the party has decided to drop the disciplinary proceedings against all others except one or two functionaries, who, instead of explaining their stand, had launched a broadside against the party leadership,” said Anbazhagan. “Former Thanjavur district secretary Palanimanickam and former Dharmapuri North district in-charge Inbasekaran will be allowed to continue as primary members of the party without any post,” he added.
After he was suspended from the party, Mullaivendan had launched a scathing attack against the leadership saying the party had a history of sacking those who did not toe its line.
