Chennai, Nov 2:
The AIADMK is planning to convene its general council meeting in the first week of December, amid efforts to strengthen the party organisation following its setbacks in the recent by-elections and prepare for the next round of electoral contests.
The proposed meeting was discussed against the backdrop of the party’s third-place finish in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections, where the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured victories. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami chaired a meeting of the party’s district secretaries at the headquarters in Royapettah on Sunday. As many as 84 district secretaries attended the meeting. Senior leaders SP Velumani and Natham Viswanathan were absent.
The discussions covered organisational strengthening, the performance of district secretaries, the party’s defeat in the two by-elections and preparations for five more constituencies where by-elections are expected. Palaniswami reportedly asked district secretaries to remain prepared, as the dates for the next round of by-elections could be announced shortly. He expressed confidence that the AIADMK would put up a strong contest.
Newly appointed district secretaries were asked to strengthen the party in their respective areas. Palaniswami also instructed them to take steps to enrol all eligible youngsters who have completed 18 years of age in the electoral rolls.
The meeting also discussed the return of some former party members who had moved to the TVK. Palaniswami reportedly told the district secretaries that those seeking to return could be admitted, but would not necessarily be restored to their earlier positions.
As part of the preparations for the proposed general council meeting, district secretaries have reportedly been asked to prepare constituency-wise lists of general council and executive committee members. The December meeting is expected to focus on the party’s organisational direction and its strategy for the coming political challenges.