DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin was unanimously elected on Wednesday as the working president of the party by the general council that met at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam here.
Party president M. Karunanidhi was not present as he is not well.
Mr. Stalin's elevation in the party practically makes him its chief ministerial candidate.
A resolution moved by party general secretary K. Anbazhagan to make amendments in the by-laws to create the new post made it clear that the working president will have all the powers of the president. It was seconded by party's principal secretary Duraimurugan.
“I felt exuberant when I became of the organiser and secretary of the youth wing, deputy general secretary of the party and subsequently its treasurer. But now I am assuming the office of the working president with a heavy heart as it is happening at a time when our party leader is not well,” Mr. Stalin said later.
The general council witnessed emotional scenes when Mr. Duraimurugan, recalling the speech of DMK founder C.N. Annadurai at the party’s 1956 conference urging V.R. Nedunchezhian to preside over the it.
“Anna said Thambi Vaa. Thalaimai Thaanga Vaa. [Younger brother come forward to lead]. I borrow his words.” Mr. Duraimurugan observed in a choked voice, as he called upon Mr. Stalin to take up the top post.
Mr. Stalin was visibly moved and many general council members also broke down.
Soon after, accompanied by Mr. Anbazhagan and Mr. Duraimurugan, Mr. Stalin went to Gopalapuram and sought the blessings of Mr. Karunanidhi.
“I will implement the wish of our leader,” Mr. Stalin told reporters after the meeting.
“When I became the Mayor of Chennai, our leader said it was not a position but a responsibility. I consider the working president post as a responsibility," he added.
