Seeking to reassert his authority in the ruling AIADMK, deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Friday named several of his loyalists as office-bearers of the party, the first exercise undertaken by him after a two-month hiatus.
Former Ministers P Palaniappan, V Senthilbalaji and Thoppu ND Venkatachalam were among those named organisational secretaries, a senior party position.
The appointments assume significance in the wake of the repeated assertion by Finance Minister D Jayakumar of the Palaniswami camp that both the party and government were being led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami.
Several other Dhinakaran loyalists like R Thangadurai, sitting MlA from Nilakottai constituency, were appointed to other organisational positions. Functionaries were appointed to several wings and fronts of the party.
"To strengthen the party new functionaries have been named and the appointments are aimed at ensuring the party's to victory in elections," he later told reporters.
Referring to some media reports that rival camps may attempt to capture the party office against Dhinakaran, he said "it is our property, like our house, temple... No one can stop." He said he would visit the party headquarters as and when he desired.