Chennai: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has initiated a process of major organizational restructuring. As part of this, internal party elections will be conducted using ballot boxes for the first time in 12 years. This marks a significant step towards making the process of electing party office-bearers more democratic.
This move follows the party’s defeat in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
After the defeat, DMK President M.K. Stalin constituted a 10-member committee to review the party’s organizational structure and suggest measures to improve its functioning at all levels.
The committee has now submitted its report, outlining a detailed plan for the party’s reorganization.
According to the recommendations, the DMK’s organizational structure will undergo a complete overhaul, extending from grassroots-level branches to the party headquarters.
The committee has proposed a comprehensive restructuring of the party’s administrative framework. This includes bifurcating district units and redefining organizational boundaries to enhance operational efficiency and improve coordination at the local level.
The report also suggests restructuring the party’s various wings—such as the youth and women’s wings—to make them more effective and active.
Furthermore, it calls for the reconstitution of the election task force and the creation of a permanent election management body to oversee campaign planning and electoral strategy.
As part of these major reforms, the committee has recommended the formation of a high-level policy and strategy think tank. This body will formulate political action plans and provide guidance on the party’s long-term organizational and electoral initiatives.
Once the restructuring process is complete, the DMK plans to hold internal elections at all organizational levels to select office-bearers.
In constituencies where there are multiple candidates contesting for a post, ballot boxes will be used for party members to cast their votes. The suggestions include a proposal to abolish the practice of selecting office-bearers through nomination for contested posts.
Instead, party office-bearers will be elected through a direct voting process involving eligible party volunteers and members. This move aims to enhance internal democracy and transparency.
Following the submission of the committee’s report, Stalin has directed the party leadership to begin preparations for organizational elections. Consequently, for the first time since 2014, the DMK’s internal elections will be conducted using ballot boxes. This signals a major overhaul of the party’s organization, as it seeks to restructure and strengthen itself to tackle future political challenges.
