Chennai: DMK general secretary Durai Murugan has reportedly made it clear that he will not resign from his post, prompting the party leadership to consider a structural change by creating a new position of joint general secretary.
Following the DMK’s defeat in the Assembly election and the loss of power, party president M.K. Stalin is said to have decided on a comprehensive reorganisation of the party’s set-up.
Sources said Stalin had planned to give Durai Murugan rest, citing health considerations, and to appoint former Union minister T.R. Baalu in the general secretary’s role. However, Durai Murugan is reported to have firmly rejected the suggestion.
According to party functionaries, Durai Murugan told those who approached him that late leader K. Anbazhagan was not asked to step down even when his health declined. He is also said to have argued that his term runs until 2027 and that he would continue as general secretary as long as he lives.
Party insiders further claimed that Durai Murugan has been sidelined in recent months, including not being consulted before a decision to exit the INDIA alliance. They also pointed to a recent instance where the usual notice for an MLAs’ meeting—typically issued in the general secretary’s name—was released this time in the name of whip E.V. Velu. If Durai Murugan continues to refuse to step aside, Stalin is said to be considering the creation of a joint general secretary post.
