Chennai, July 11 (IANS) Signs of growing dissatisfaction have emerged within the AIADMK’s affiliated organisational wings as the party continues its district-level review meetings to assess its performance in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Functionaries from several wings have expressed concern over inadequate representation within the party and the limited opportunities provided to them to contest elections.
The concerns have surfaced during a series of consultative meetings being chaired by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami to analyse the reasons behind the party’s electoral setback.
Leaders and office-bearers from various districts have been invited to offer feedback on the party’s campaign, organisational functioning and future strategy.
According to party sources, office-bearers from the Women’s Wing, MGR Youth Wing, Youth Wing, Traders’ Wing and other affiliated units have repeatedly raised the issue of insufficient representation in both the party organisation and electoral politics.
Many of them have argued that despite years of grassroots work, they have not been given adequate recognition through organisational appointments or opportunities to contest Assembly and local body elections.
During a recent interaction with Women’s Wing office-bearers, several participants reportedly urged the leadership to increase the representation of women in key organisational positions and provide more opportunities for women candidates in future elections.
Palaniswami continued the review exercise with party functionaries from Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.
During the discussions, some office-bearers criticised the functioning of the AIADMK’s IT Wing, alleging that it had failed to effectively counter the ruling party’s campaign during the elections.
Sources said Palaniswami responded by observing that the shortcomings were not confined to the IT Wing alone and that several affiliated wings had also failed to function effectively during the campaign.
He is understood to have stressed the need for stronger coordination and greater organisational discipline ahead of future electoral battles.
Amid the ongoing review process, the AIADMK’s MGR Youth Wing, headed by former MP S.R. Vijayakumar, convened a consultative meeting on Friday.
Participants reportedly voiced disappointment over what they described as the lack of importance given to Youth Wing functionaries despite their contribution to the party’s activities.
They also sought greater opportunities to contest elections and assume leadership responsibilities.
Party insiders said the discontent reflects a broader demand for better coordination between the party leadership and its affiliated wings, along with greater recognition of grassroots workers through appointments and electoral representation.
The MGR Youth Wing meeting concluded by adopting a resolution thanking Palaniswami for leading the AIADMK-led NDA to victory in 52 Assembly constituencies.
Another resolution criticised the ruling TVK government, alleging that its functioning closely resembled that of the previous DMK administration.
—IANS
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