CHENNAI: The feud within the DMK between deputy general secretary K Duraimurugan and treasurer MK Stalin reached a flash point, with the former resigning from his party post.
However, party chief M Karunanidhi did not accept the resignation and efforts are on to pacify the senior leader, according to party sources. The bone of contention is the post of Vellore (Central) district secretary for Duraimurugan’s son Kathir Anand.
Party sources said Duraimurugan was livid as he felt Stalin was trying to corner him in his own territory, where he was controlling the party affairs for the last three decades.
Most of the senior leaders remained tight-lipped and party spokesperson TKS Elangovan did not answer despite repeated calls to his mobile. But, none of them denied the development.
The party elections in the DMK have reached a crucial stage, with the elections to the post of district secretaries beginning next week. There were allegations that Stalin was trying to bring his supporters to top posts in the district and bulldoze others in the race, to bring the party totally under his control.
Duraimurugan is considered the last of the DMK satraps controlling the party in the northern region.
Veerapandi Arumugam, a tall leader in the Kongu belt of Salem and Coimbatore is no more, while Ko Si Mani, a powerful satrap in the delta districts has retired owing to ill health. Vaiko, who was DMK’s powerful leader in South Tamil Nadu had left the party two decades ago.
Stalin supporters consider Duraimurugan as the last obstacle in gaining total control of the DMK. However, Duraimurugan retains control over Vellore and continued to be elected from Katpadi Assembly constituency, repeatedly. During the 2014 Parliament elections, Duraimurugan sought a seat for his son Kathir Anand in Vellore, but the seat was thrust on Indian Union Muslim League.