Chennai: AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's re-election as party General Secretary is certain but leaders continue to swarm the party headquarters here to file papers on her behalf which they see as an opportunity to express their loyalty.
The AIADMK headquarters here has been witnessing a steady stream of party leaders and workers to file papers on behalf of Jayalalithaa since August 20, when nominations opened for the post of General Secretary. Jayalalithaa, who has been leading the party since 1989, has already filed her papers.
Cadres with party flag, badge of Jayalalithaa's picture and two-leaves symbol in bright green colour could be spotted not just in party headquarters in Royapettah but also in the entire neighbourhood.
Interestingly, the cost of an application is Rs 25,000 and on the opening day itself 270 papers were filed and so far 450 applications have been filed seeking her to be re-nominated, party sources said.
When the deadline for filing papers ends on August 24, the tally is expected to go up significantly, they said.
On the opening day to file papers, E Madhusudanam (Presidium Chairman), O Panneerselvam (Treasurer) and B Valarmathi (Organisation secretary) presented Jayalalithaa's papers seeking re-nomination to party poll chief Visalatchi Nedunchezian.
Senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai filed papers yesterday on behalf of Jayalalithaa seeking her to be nominated for re-election as party chief.
Members of Parliament, State Assembly, ordinary members, and functionaries belonging to farmers, medical, fishermen and so many other wings of the party were among those who filed papers on her behalf.
"We want her to be our permanent general secretary and lead the party to more and more victories," a party leader said.
The AIADMK has about 1.5 crore members on its rolls and according to the party constitution, election should be held for the post of General Secretary, the top post in the party, once in five years.
The previous election to the post was held in 2008. Though the next election should have been held in 2013, it was resolved at a party meet that the organisational elections, may be held after the Lok Sabha elections.
After the formal declaration of the election of Jayalalithaa on August 29, the polls for other party posts are expected.
PTI
First Published: Friday, August 22, 2014, 22:29
