Cabinet berth only for those who ensure victory in maximum number of constituencies, says Stalin

Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on Monday made it clear to the party’s district secretaries that personal differences should not be allowed to affect the party’s prospects in the April 23 Assembly election. He warned that he would immediately take action against anyone who sought to create problems.

“I keep the party’s interest above that of individuals,” he said, addressing a meeting at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters.

Mr. Stalin said the time had come to reap the benefits of the hard work done over the past year, and the election was like running a relay race. “Not one of us can afford to be laid-back. We must work twice as hard to harvest victory,” he said.

The Chief Minister said no one should think the party president would not be aware of what was happening in each of the 234 Assembly constituencies. “This Stalin has eyes and ears in all the 234 constituencies. I will get details directly. Even now, I am receiving information,” he said.

‘Seniority is secondary’

Mr. Stalin said victory would be assessed based on the results in all the Assembly constituencies under the jurisdiction of the district secretaries. “Seniority is secondary in the party. Keep in mind that ministerial berths would be given only to those who ensure victory in the maximum number of constituencies,” he said.

He also made it clear that the duty of those in charge of the party’s various regions and the district secretaries was to ensure victory, and not to select candidates.

“I will take care of the selection of candidates and the constituencies where they will contest. Do not waste your time lobbying for seats. Seats will be given only to those who are liked by the people, and those who have bright prospects of winning the polls,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said he did not require an introduction to anyone, since he had met almost all the office-bearers while interacting with party workers as part of the Udanpirappe Vaa programme, organised by the party across the State. “I know everyone personally. I have updated details about everyone. Those who win and contribute to others’ victory will get a reward,” he said.

He said the DMK was leading in election work, and the media had reported on the effective field work of DMK cadre.

“We are dominating the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The Pongal cash gift of ₹3,000; ₹5,000 for women; and ₹2,000 for the disabled and others have improved our standing among the people,” he said.

Mr Stalin said the DMK had defeated attempts to create confusion within the alliance and had succeeded in bringing in new allies. “We have created an image not only among the people but also among our political rivals that we will win with the strength of our alliance, the welfare schemes of the Dravidian Model government, and other programmes,” he said.