As DMK's General Secretary and Karunanidhi's closest aide K Anbazhagan has passed away last Saturday, most of the party's senior leaders are eyeing to become his successor to take over one of the most powerful posts in the party and to fill up the vacuum that prevails after the demise of the veteran party leader.

We have reached out to some of the senior leaders to know the persisting developments amid the speculations and they say that the post of General Secretary holds more power and authority within the party. As per the party's regulations, the incumbent of the post would work closely with the party's president and jointly takes the final decision. 

The leaders stated that the position holder would be equipped with more responsibility and authority to run the party. With the view of that, Karunanidhi appointed Anbazhagan as the party's general secretary in 1977 as Karunanidhi wanted someone close to him and someone who can understand his mind to decorate the post.

Anbazhagan has proved that he was a right pick to the post as he stood with the party's ideology, principles and he never compromised the party's view and faith till his death. His death has birthed huge speculations within the party and the leaders on who would be named as Anbazhagan's successor. 

Our sources said the race for the reign would be tough and they highlighted the possible names that would take over the power. The names of senior party leaders Duraimurugan, Periyasamy, and TR Baalu have been on the fray for strong consideration. Some of the important leaders have told Stalin to pick Duraimurugan as the next General Secretary as he is the senior-most politician in the party. They further advised Stalin to find a replacement for Duraimurugan's current post of Treasurer. The sources stated that the party's leadership has been discussing whether to implement the transition now or during the party's elections.

If Duraimurugan gets elevated as the party's general secretary, there are a handful of leaders who are lobbying to get the post of party's treasurer - the position currently held by Duraimurugan. According to our sources, senior leaders like EV Velu, Ponmudi, KN Nehru, A Raja, Periyasamy, TR Baalu have been trying to get the chair of the treasurer, who is also one of the powerful leaders in the party after the president and the general secretary. The sources stated that the final names will be picked by Stalin as he has been under discussion with the senior leaders.