While the registration move is due to a Supreme Court order, those in the know, reveal that the plan was to ostensibly ensure that cadre did not desert him and join general secretary VK Sasikala on the latter’s release from prison. “That is why he has claimed the general secretary’s post for himself, though till now he used to obey Sasikala,” sources informed.

But, what has irked party functionaries is that the registration once done will result in the tenures of existing office-bearers becoming infructuous. “They are now in non-statutory positions and new office-bearers will be chosen once the May 19 bypolls are completed,” sources said.

This could also even lead to a change in the candidate for the countermanded Vellore LS seat. Former AIADMK minister and AMMK candidate K Pandurangan, who is the AMMK candidate for Vellore LS constituency when asked about this said, “Anything can happen in politics. I was made candidate by Dhinakaran himself though I clearly told him and party seniors that I was financially unable to take on the rich AIADMK and DMK candidates.”

Another senior leader was critical of how the proceedings to elect Dhinakaran as general secretary was conducted. “There was no explanation as to why the sudden move was required. Dhinakaran authoritatively informed us he was elevating himself as the general secretary and that Sasikala would be president after release. Present president N Anbalagan would become vice president then,” he added. We then signed an affidavit unanimously electing Dhinakaran as the general secretary and left, he said.

Party seniors said, “Trouble could be expected if new office-bearers are announced for district units as the present batch are in office for less than two years and have backed TTV with hopes of occupying top posts later.” But, for Dhinakaran the move will give him a chance to weed out those whom he feels are not up to his expectations.