Sasikala factor, still a wedge in AIADMK unity
The rank and file in the Opposition AIADMK are now reaching out to the sulking AIADMK leaders who experienced unpleasant discussions at the party district secretaries meeting on Wednesday. According to informed AIADMK sources, there were heated arguments between R Vaithilingam, CVe Shanmugham and Anwar Rajaa, while discussing party internal matters.
However, the AIADMK leaders pacified the sulking seniors and resolved the meeting, sources said. A few MLAs have also opined that the party seniors should burry the political difference as the civic polls are nearing.
The political dissent and infights have become common in AIADMK, thanks to ousted leader VK Sasikala who continues to be a controversial person for the party, sources said.
According to sources close to Sasikala, the former AIADMK general secretary is also planning to hold the party general council to counter the executive committee meeting called by AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam on December 1.
Urban LB polls applications invited
Meanwhile, the Opposition AIADMK on Thursday invited applications from party aspirants wishing to contest in urban local bodies. Party workers seeking to contest the urban local body elections should submit applications from November 26 to 28, the AIADMK said in a statement.
“The application fee prescribed to contest for the post of Corporation councillor is Rs 5,000. To contest for the position of ward members in municipalities and town panchayats, the fee is Rs 2,500 and Rs 1,500 respectively,” AIADMK leaders OPS and EPS said in a statement.
The applications could be received and submitted from 10 am to 5 pm from November 26 to 28, the party said. It may be noted that the ruling DMK and rebel AMMK have also invited applications from the aspiring party candidates. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission had also instructed District Collectors to expedite the civic poll works. And the official sources hint that the State Election Commission would have direct polls for the post of mayors. However, the final decision is yet to be announced.
Sasikala