DMK president M.K. Stalin on Saturday announced that the party will hereafter select its office-bearers only through internal elections, to be held after a new membership enrolment drive is completed.
Speaking at the DMK’s executive committee meeting in Chennai, Stalin said the party has seen both victories and defeats, and that a setback in an election should be treated as time to plan the party’s future. He recalled former chief minister M. Karunanidhi’s words that the party’s organisational structure would safeguard its continuity.
Stalin said the reasons for the party’s defeat were many, and that the performance of office-bearers was among them. He urged the party to openly acknowledge mistakes, warning that individual lapses could affect a 75-year-old organisation.
He said he would introduce several changes in the party’s administrative set-up, acknowledging that some steps could be tough or bitter, and sought cooperation. He stressed the need to regain the confidence of youth and women, and said more responsibilities would be given to new faces.
Calling for a “honest and genuine” membership drive, Stalin said internal elections would be conducted properly at all levels once enrolment is completed, and expressed confidence that elected office-bearers would perform better. He also urged cadres to work among people and strengthen outreach, including within their own families, and reiterated that the party would continue to fight for public welfare even as an opposition force.
