Among the notable changes expected, sources within the DMK confirmed that two additional Deputy General Secretaries may be appointed during the meet.
Published May 31, 2025 | 8:32 PM ⚊ Updated May 31, 2025 | 8:32 PM
Synopsis: The DMK will hold its General Council meeting on 1 June in Madurai, the first such gathering outside Chennai since 2011 and ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Over 6,500 party functionaries are expected to attend, with key discussions likely to include internal reshuffles and organisational expansion. Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is widely expected to be elevated to the role of Deputy General Secretary.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu will hold its General Council meeting on Sunday, 1 June, in Uthangudi, Madurai.
Traditionally, the high-profile meetings have been held in the state capital, Chennai. The shift marks the first such meeting outside Chennai since 2011.
Over 6,500 DMK functionaries, including General Council members, special invitees, and office-bearers of various party wings, are expected to participate.
The General Council is expected to discuss key developments, including preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and possible reshuffles in party responsibilities.
Among the notable changes expected, sources within the DMK confirmed that two additional Deputy General Secretaries may be appointed during the meet.
Speculation suggests that Stalin’s son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin may have an expanded role in the party.
Udhayanidhi, who currently also serves as Youth Wing Secretary, is expected to be entrusted with additional responsibilities – likely an elevation to the post of Deputy General Secretary.
Currently, the DMK has several Deputy General Secretaries, including:
Recently, Tiruchi Siva replaced K Ponmudi, who was removed from the post following a controversy.
When asked about the possible increase in the number of Deputy General Secretaries, party spokesperson Tamizhan Prasanna said:
“A resolution has already been passed stating that the President holds supreme authority in the party. Based on that, any such decision will be made by the President, and we will abide by it.”
Meanwhile, former Minister and current DMK Principal Secretary, KN Nehru, is also touted to be given an expanded role.
The DMK is further expanding its wings, including new ones such as an IT workers’ union.
Significant decisions are typically made at each annual General Council meeting. According to DMK spokesperson Tamizhan Prasanna, this year’s meeting is expected to adopt resolutions aimed at winning all 200 Assembly constituencies in the 2026 elections.
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a recent statement, said opposition parties, unable to target his administration effectively, were resorting to spreading misinformation.
“In this context, the DMK General Council will convene on June 1 in Madurai to deliberate on what needs to be done, what our responsibilities are, and what our long-term goals should be,” Stalin stated.
He added:
“I am eager to meet our party functionaries to finalise election groundwork, implement our strategies, and ensure victory in the 2026 Assembly polls.”
The DMK’s General Council has historically played a decisive role in the party’s direction.
In the early days, founder CN Annadurai chose not to create a ‘President’ post, reserving it symbolically for Thanthai Periyar. Annadurai and Nedunchezhian served alternately as General Secretary until 1969.
After Annadurai’s death, the post of President was officially created, with M Karunanidhi elected as the first President and Nedunchezhian as General Secretary.
Karunanidhi held the President post for nearly 48 years.
One of the most pivotal moments in the General Council’s history occurred in 1972, when MG Ramachandran, then Treasurer, called for a boycott of the General Council amidst his feud with Karunanidhi. He was expelled from the DMK in a General Council meeting and subsequently founded the AIADMK, which went on to govern Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987.
After Karunanidhi’s demise in 2018, MK Stalin was elected President, with Duraimurugan as General Secretary and T R Baalu as Treasurer.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
