Vellamandi Natarajan becomes AIADMK secretary in Tamil Nadu to help party win more seats

Natarajan returned to the AIADMK party just 7 days ago. This move helps the party build a new team after they won only 2 seats in the last big election.
By Newsroom | Politics, Tamil Nadu |

Former Minister Vellamandi N. Natarajan has been appointed an organisation secretary for the AIADMK, a significant move occurring just a week after his return to the party. This appointment solidifies his position within the AIADMK's structure, granting him a role in bolstering the party's organisational framework. The timing of his re-induction and subsequent elevation follows closely on the heels of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's departure to join the DMK. Natarajan, who previously held the tourism portfolio, had been a known associate of Panneerselvam.

Former Minister Vellamandi N. Natarajan appointed AIADMK organisation secretary - 1

Natarajan officially rejoined the AIADMK on February 27, a date marked by significant political realignments. His return was preceded by a meeting with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter's residence. This reunion occurred on the same day Panneerselvam was reported to have joined the DMK. Natarajan's decision to return to the AIADMK has been framed as a rejection of Panneerselvam's move to a rival party.

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Former Minister Vellamandi N. Natarajan appointed AIADMK organisation secretary - 2

The rapid succession of events – Natarajan's departure from Panneerselvam's camp, his rejoining the AIADMK, and his subsequent appointment to a key organisational post – underscores a period of flux and consolidation within the AIADMK. This period follows the party's less-than-stellar performance in a recent general election, where it secured a meagre two seats. The AIADMK's internal dynamics have seen other significant appointments as well, with Edappadi K. Palaniswami previously naming former ministers like K.P. Munusamy and Natham R. Viswanathan as deputy general secretaries, alongside other former ministers and speakers being assigned as organisation secretaries.

Former Minister Vellamandi N. Natarajan appointed AIADMK organisation secretary - 3

Background Context

The AIADMK's internal landscape has been a subject of contention, particularly concerning leadership and party direction. Following electoral setbacks, such as a close defeat in the Indian general election where the party secured only two seats, strategic shifts have been observed. The party's trajectory has also involved internal power struggles, exemplified by past decisions regarding leadership appointments and expulsions. This environment of realignment and strategic positioning is the backdrop against which Vellamandi N. Natarajan's recent political manoeuvre has taken place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Vellamandi Natarajan return to the AIADMK party on February 27?
He returned to the party to show he does not agree with O. Panneerselvam joining the DMK. He met with leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to start working with the party again.
Q: What is Vellamandi Natarajan's new job in the AIADMK party?
He is now an organization secretary. This means he will help manage the party and make it stronger for future elections.
Q: How did O. Panneerselvam joining the DMK change the AIADMK party?
When OPS joined the DMK, it left an open space in AIADMK. The party is now giving jobs to former ministers like Natarajan to keep the party united and strong.
Q: Why is the AIADMK party changing its leaders after the last election?
The party only won 2 seats in the recent general election. Leaders like EPS want to change the team to get better results and more votes in the next election.