The battle within the DMDK is entering a crucial phase with party president Vijayakant and expelled leader V.C Chandhirakumar calling for separate meetings on Sunday to prove their support base.
A day after Mr. Vijayakant put out an official statement calling for a meeting of the party’s executive and high-level committees, the rebels led by Mr. Chandhirakumar came out with a counter invitation to all DMDK functionaries for a “consultation meeting”.
Sources in the rebel camp said they have opened talks with a few other DMDK MLAs who were “furious” at Mr. Vijayakant’s decision to not ally with the DMK. “We have been getting support from hundreds of DMDK functionaries at different levels. We expect them to join the meeting,” said Mr. Chandhirakumar.
The DMDK leadership has made it clear to senior functionaries that there should be “100 per cent” attendance at the executive committee meeting. They have been asked to verify the participation of all committee members personally. “This is being seen as a show of strength,” said a source.
Further, Sunday will also see the first joint public rally of the DMDK-People’s Welfare Front combine in Mamandur. “We have been instructed to ensure a huge turnout. The gathering should put to rest all speculations about whom the cadres of the DMDK back,” said a senior leader. It will also mark Mr. Vijayakant’s first major public speech since the turmoil in the party broke out on Sunday.
The DMDK leadership wants to ensure 100 per cent attendance
