Chennai: In the aftermath of the DMK’s defeat in the Assembly election, a section of party functionaries are showing greater interest in meeting Udhayanidhi Stalin rather than party president M.K. Stalin, according to party sources.
Functionaries recalled that when M. Karunanidhi was alive, the party faced several major setbacks, but he routinely visited the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, allowing cadres to meet him regardless of electoral outcomes. They alleged that after becoming Chief Minister, Stalin largely stopped coming to Arivalayam and remained distant from party workers.
They further claimed that the election defeat was compounded by Stalin’s loss from the Kolathur constituency. Even though Stalin has since begun visiting Arivalayam daily, many functionaries are said to be avoiding meeting him, saying they do not want to add to his distress.
When functionaries attempt to discuss the defeat, they said Stalin directs them to a committee he has formed to examine the loss. With the belief that Udhayanidhi is likely to assume the party’s top role in the coming years—and that he has begun meeting party members more actively—some functionaries are now meeting him first and seeking permission to see Stalin only if time permits. Sources said this shift has come as a shock to Stalin, who is already upset over the defeat.
