---
title: "DMK to axe 22 district secretaries as revamp expands units"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/dmk-revamp-22-district-secretaries-j5bpp
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-23T19:00:36.709Z
modified: 2026-08-23T21:00:06.454Z
language: en-IN
---

# DMK to axe 22 district secretaries as revamp expands units

The DMK's executive committee approved a revamp that could remove about 22 of 77 district secretaries, impose a three-term limit and a 70-year age cap, and add 33 new district units. The move aims to refresh leadership ahead of upcoming party elections and includes a membership drive planned for Sep

## Key takeaways

- The DMK is implementing a structured revamp of district secretaries guided by a committee led by Thangam Thennarasu.
- A three-term limit and a 70-year age cap will disqualify numerous current district secretaries.
- The party plans to expand from 77 to 110 district units, adding 33 new units and about 55 new district secretaries overall.
- A membership drive is planned for September, followed by elections across levels, culminating in state-level appointments.

## What Happened

In a high-level executive committee session led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam discussed and approved a revamp plan framed by a committee led by former minister Thangam Thennarasu. The plan introduces new rules for district secretaries, including an age ceiling and term limits, with the stated objective of injecting younger voices and greater participation by women. As part of the overhaul, the party anticipates a reconfiguration of leadership across its district units, ultimately creating 110 district units with 33 additional units. This expansion is paired with changes expected to bring 55 new faces into the role of district secretary.

The party notes that the revamp comes in the wake of its defeat in the most recent Assembly election, and party sources indicate that as many as 22 of the existing 77 district secretaries may be ineligible to continue in their posts or to contest elections. Specific names cited as potential casualties include former ministers and several other long-standing figures, illustrating the extent to which established leadership could be affected. Stalin is reported to have communicated during the meeting that the defeat in the Assembly election had multiple causes, including the performance of party functionaries, and that the new rules are intended to foster renewal within the organization.

Additionally, the party signaled plans to launch a membership drive during the annual Mupperum Vizha in September, followed by elections at various levels, including district secretaries, as part of the broader revamp process. The process is expected to culminate in the appointment of state-level office-bearers.

## Why It Matters

The revamp represents a strategic refresh of the DMK’s organizational structure at the district level, potentially altering the leadership landscape in Tamil Nadu ahead of internal elections. By imposing a three-term limit and a 70-year age cap, the plan could accelerate turnover, paving the way for new faces to assume district secretary roles and potentially shifting the party’s regional influence. Expanding the number of district units and introducing new district secretaries may also affect how the party coordinates local campaigns and mobilizes membership.

Observers might view the move as a response to electoral setbacks, signaling an attempt to address perceived shortcomings in party performance by infusing youth and women into leadership positions. The timing — following the Assembly election defeat — suggests the party intends to reenergize its grassroots network before future political contests.

## Background

The revamp committee, chaired by Thangam Thennarasu, established the framework for the changes. The executive committee’s actions reflect the party leadership’s effort to implement the committee’s recommendations, including expanding district units and instituting new eligibility criteria for district secretaries. The leadership change is described as part of a broader effort to inject “new blood” into the organization and to create greater opportunities for younger members and women.

## Key Facts

- The DMK’s executive committee approved a revamp plan led by Thangam Thennarasu.
- A district secretary can serve a maximum of three terms under the new rules.
- The age limit for the district secretary post is 70 years.
- As many as 22 of the existing 77 district secretaries are expected to be ineligible under the new rules.
- The revamp envisions expanding from 77 to 110 district units, adding 33 new units.
- Overall, the changes are expected to bring 55 new faces into the post of district secretary.
- Membership drive is planned during the Mupperum Vizha in September, followed by elections at multiple levels including district secretaries.
- Stalin presided over the meeting and linked the party’s electoral defeat in part to the performance of its functionaries.

## What Happens Next

The party plans a membership drive during a September event, then proceeds with elections at various levels, including district secretaries. The process is set to culminate in the appointment of state-level office-bearers, marking a major reshuffle of the party’s leadership in Tamil Nadu.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/dmk-revamp-22-district-secretaries-j5bpp
Reported from: Multiple Sources