AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran has appointed around 40 new party functionaries, sending the signal that he does not intend to step aside as or relinquish his hold over Tamil Nadu’s ruling party.
The list of office-bearers, though relatively minor party posts that do not affect the existing order, also contains names of over a dozen MLAs, pointing to Dhinakaran’s clout in the ruling faction.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of the AIADMK senior leaders, including ministers, stating that Dhinakaran’s diktat does not run in the party.
The party leader also plans to go on a Statewide tour beginning August 14, a party statement said.
Dhinakaran’s announcement also marks the deepening of the three-way split in the party and the increasing political uncertainty in the State. As a precondition for a possible merger, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who heads the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi) camp had asked the faction headed by present incumbent CM Edappadi K Palaniswami to sideline Dhinakaran and his aunt, party General Secretary VK Sasikala.
The majority strength in the party lies with Palaniswami.