Chennai: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has initiated a comprehensive organisational restructuring exercise that will culminate in the conduct of internal party elections through ballot boxes for the first time in 12 years, marking a significant shift towards a more democratic process for selecting office-bearers.
The move follows the party’s setback in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
In the aftermath of the defeat, DMK President M.K. Stalin constituted a 10-member committee to examine the party’s organisational structure and recommend measures to strengthen its functioning at all levels.
The committee has now submitted its report, outlining an extensive road map for restructuring the party.
According to the recommendations, the DMK’s organisational framework will be revamped from the grassroots branch level to the party headquarters.
The committee has proposed a complete reorganisation of the party’s administrative structure, including the bifurcation of district units and a redrawing of organisational boundaries to improve efficiency and strengthen local-level coordination.
The report also recommends restructuring all affiliated wings of the party, including the youth wing and the women’s wing, to make them more effective and responsive.
In addition, it calls for the reorganisation of election task forces and the creation of a permanent election management body to oversee campaign planning and electoral strategy.
As part of the broader reforms, the committee has suggested the establishment of a high-level policy and strategy think tank to formulate political action plans and guide the party’s long-term organisational and electoral initiatives.
Once the restructuring process is completed, the DMK plans to conduct internal elections across all levels of the organisation to elect executive office-bearers.
In constituencies where more than one candidate contests for a post, ballot boxes will be used to enable party members to cast their votes.
The recommendations also propose ending the practice of selecting office-bearers through nominations in contested positions.
Instead, party functionaries will be chosen through a direct voting process involving eligible party volunteers and members, a move aimed at enhancing internal democracy and transparency.
Following the submission of the committee’s report, Stalin has directed the party leadership to begin preparations for the organisational elections.
As a result, the DMK’s internal elections are set to be conducted through ballot boxes for the first time since 2014, signalling a major organisational reform as the party seeks to rebuild and strengthen its structure ahead of future political challenges.
(IANS)
