Against the backdrop of repeated hospitalisation of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder and general secretary Vijayakant, the actor-turned-politician’s wife Premalatha was on Friday elevated as the party’s treasurer.
Speaking to reporters, she steered clear of the question about the party’s strategy for the upcoming byelections and the Lok Sabha elections.
Ms. Premalatha’s ascent in the party was expected for some time. In the last couple of years, the cadre had been urging her to take over the reins from Mr. Vijayakant. The fact that she is also a good orator has helped cement her place in the party.
In certain district units, including Tirupur, resolutions were passed in recent months to make her the general secretary of the party.
“The cadre have always been saying that she should be given a party post,” said former DMDK MLA R. Parthasarathy.
However, Ms. Premalatha expressed surprise at her elevation. “When Captain asked all the district secretaries, high-level functionaries to take part in today’s [Friday’s] meeting, nobody expected this announcement, including me. I came along with him and I couldn’t guess it. All the district secretaries told me they thought that Captain had called us before Deepavali to discuss about a meeting. But they all said that my elevation felt like it was a Deepavali bonus,” said Ms. Premalatha. She said, “It is very difficult to get a word of appreciation or to get a party post from Captain. It requires hard work to achieve this. I have been given the post of treasurer after 14 years in the party. And he has proved that any hardworking party cadre can rise up the ranks”
Speaking about the overt involvement of family members in the party, including her brother L.K. Sudheesh and her sons, she said, “Never has Captain said that family members should not come into politics.”
On Sabarimala issue, Ms. Premalatha said: “Women have not been allowed into the temple for many, many years. Every religion has its own traditions and rituals. We don’t agree with immediately breaking the customs of a religion. The party’s view is that religious traditions should be followed.”
Dr. V. Ilangovan was appointed DMDK presidium chairman and Alagapuram V. Mohanraj the propaganda secretary.