Tamil Nadu parties overhaul leadership after election defeats

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu is preparing a major organisational reshuffle following its poor performance in the state assembly election, where it won only one seat. Party chief Nainar Nagenthran is expected to be removed, with state secretary A Ashvathaman emerging as the consensus candidate for the top post. Internal factions have rallied behind various leaders, including Vanathi Srinivasan, Union Minister L Murugan and actor‑politician R Sarathkumar, but the central leadership appears to favour Ashvathaman.

Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has launched a comprehensive restructuring plan after its own setback. A ten‑member committee headed by party president M. K. Stalin recommended revamping the party’s hierarchy from the grassroots to the headquarters, splitting district units, and overhauling affiliated wings. For the first time in 12 years, the DMK will hold internal elections using ballot boxes to select office‑bearers, aiming to increase internal democracy and transparency.

Both parties are seeking to revitalize their state organisations ahead of future electoral contests.