DMK plans push for youth, women in organisational overhaul

Chennai, Aug 15 (AHN) Seeking to rebuild its organisational strength after losing power to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the DMK is preparing to induct more women and younger functionaries into influential party positions, including the powerful post of district secretary.

The proposed overhaul is being viewed as an attempt to counter Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the TVK, whose electoral victory was widely attributed to strong support from young voters.

DMK leaders believe that bringing younger faces into the organisational structure could help the party reconnect with this crucial section of the electorate.

Women functionaries are also expected to receive greater representation during the restructuring exercise. The DMK currently has 78 organisational district secretaries, but former minister P. Geetha Jeevan, who heads the party’s Thoothukudi district unit, is the only woman holding the position.

Geetha Jeevan is the daughter of late DMK leader N. Periasamy, who was considered a prominent party figure in southern Tamil Nadu. Apart from her, no woman has been appointed as a district secretary, prompting calls from within the party for more inclusive representation.

The district secretary occupies a highly influential position in the DMK structure and plays a crucial role in coordinating election work, mobilising cadres and maintaining contact between the grassroots and the state leadership.

Party sources said the leadership was particularly concerned about the absence of young faces among the district secretaries. Most of those currently holding the position are experienced leaders who have been part of the organisation for several years.

Changes are likely to be more visible in Chennai and its neighbouring districts, where the DMK’s performance in the recently concluded Assembly election fell below the leadership’s expectations.

Chennai presently has six organisational district secretaries, most of whom are considered established faces. The leadership is examining ways to shake up the mid-level organisational structure in these areas by promoting functionaries from the party’s youth, women and student wings.

DMK Students’ Wing secretary J. Veeramani welcomed the proposal, saying greater representation for women and youth would strengthen both the party and the cause of women’s empowerment.

The party is also considering increasing the number of organisational districts from 78 to around 100. Sources said smaller district units would make party affairs easier to manage, improve coordination among functionaries and allow the leadership to monitor grassroots political activity more effectively ahead of future elections.

—AHN

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