Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Leadership Crisis
The demand for the removal of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President Selvaperunthagai by various district leaders of the party, who have camped in Delhi, has caused significant political turmoil. The fact that the Congress party, which has more leaders than grassroots workers, is now witnessing internal conflicts regarding leadership has sparked widespread discussions.
Background
Selvaperunthagai was appointed as the TNCC President in February last year, replacing K.S. Alagiri, who had served in the role for five years. The decision to replace Alagiri came after intense pressure from party administrators. However, just a year into his leadership, dissatisfaction with Selvaperunthagai’s performance has led to a demand for his removal, with more than 20 district leaders now lobbying in Delhi.
Key Complaints Against Selvaperunthagai
It is not uncommon for Congress leaders to face opposition after their appointment, but resistance within just a year raises serious questions.
One of the major grievances is that during the run-up to the last Lok Sabha elections, Selvaperunthagai’s leadership prevented former TNCC President Alagiri and former MPs like Chellakumar and Jayakumar from contesting. This led to discontent among senior leaders, who have since rallied their supporters to exert pressure on Selvaperunthagai.
Not only district leaders but also several MLAs within the Tamil Nadu Congress have reportedly turned against Selvaperunthagai. Additionally, his perceived proximity to the DMK and his alleged behavior of acting more like a DMK member than a Congress leader has intensified dissatisfaction among party executives.
Selvaperunthagai has been accused of making unilateral decisions regarding party matters, without consulting senior leaders and administrators. There are also allegations that he has taken steps to reduce the powers of district heads, leading to further discontent.
In response, district administrators from over 20 districts, including Namakkal, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Madurai, Cuddalore, and Virudhachalam, have submitted a formal petition against him to top Congress leaders in Delhi.
High-Level Interventions
Senior Congress leaders, including All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge Kris Jotang, have been approached by Tamil Nadu Congress administrators, who have presented multiple complaints against Selvaperunthagai. Additionally, petitions have been submitted to Priyanka Gandhi and Venugopal, highlighting the leadership concerns.
Although the party’s top brass has assured appropriate action, the protesting leaders have made it clear that they will not return to Tamil Nadu until Selvaperunthagai is removed. They are now awaiting appointments with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to escalate the matter further.
Selvaperunthagai’s Political Journey
Before entering mainstream politics, Selvaperunthagai worked in the Reserve Bank of India. Over the years, he has been affiliated with multiple parties, including Puratchi Bharatham, Puthiya Tamilagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the Bahujan Samaj Party. He joined the Congress in 2010 and was subsequently given leadership roles, including the position of Scheduled Caste (SC) Wing President and Leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
His appointment as TNCC President had already caused controversy, as many questioned whether a leader who had switched multiple parties should be given such a crucial role. Now, the dissatisfaction surrounding him has reached the national leadership in Delhi.
Future Prospects
- Will Selvaperunthagai be replaced, or will the Congress high command give him more time?
- How will this leadership crisis impact Congress’s performance in Tamil Nadu?
- Will this internal strife lead to a major reshuffle within the state unit?
The outcome of this issue will significantly shape the future of the Tamil Nadu Congress. While leadership conflicts are not new to the party, the timing of this controversy, ahead of upcoming elections, could have lasting consequences on the party’s growth and stability in the state.
