DMK sources claim that three different groups within the party are competing to bring opposition leader Udhayanidhi under their influence, creating a fresh round of internal jockeying.
According to these sources, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s public messaging and conduct were earlier shaped largely by his son-in-law Sabareesan and a director of the “Pen” firm, Manikandan. The same sources allege that the firm played a key role in managing what Stalin should say and how he should present himself.
They say Sabareesan’s camp has struggled to exert similar control over Udhayanidhi, who has followed an independent path from the beginning. With Udhayanidhi increasingly emerging as a key face of the party, the sources claim efforts are now being made through different channels, including bringing in economist Jayaranjan, as Manikandan is said to be unpopular with Udhayanidhi.
The sources further claim that former minister Mahesh, described as a friend of Udhayanidhi, has been trying to stay close after losing an election, while former minister Nehru has moved closer after becoming deputy opposition leader. Separately, youth wing functionaries are said to have formed a group under Udhayanidhi’s personal aide Senthil, amid claims of a “cold war” between teams linked to the Kurinji bungalow and the youth wing headquarters, Anbagam.
The sources argue that this internal friction is slowing Udhayanidhi’s political activity, and that unifying the teams could help him move faster—something that would, in their view, weaken attempts by others to control his immediate circle.
