New TN Cong chief K Selvaperunthagai: Tamil nationalism to Dalit activism to Kharge’s pick

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership’s decision to replace K S Alagiri with K Selvaperunthagai as the Tamil Nadu party chief has evoked mixed reactions among the state party leaders owing to Selvaperunthagai’s vocal position on the Dalit issues and his past association with Tamil nationalism or even being labelled as an “LTTE sympathiser”.

The Congress MLA from Sriperumbudur, Selvaperunthagai had been an employee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) who turned to Dalit activism and later served as a legislator of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

Selvaperunthagai edged out two party leaders — Karur MP S Jothimani and former IAS officer Sasikanth Senthil, both considered close to Rahul Gandhi – in the race to become the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president.

அன்புச் சகோதரியின் வாழ்த்துகளுக்கு மிக்க நன்றி. https://t.co/yCtovwfo9o

— Selvaperunthagai K (@SPK_TNCC) <a href=«https://twitter.com/SPK_TNCC/status/1759129743235121597?ref_src=» https: class="" rel=«nofollow, noopener» target="_blank">February 18, 2024

A senior TNPCC leader said Senthil and Jothimani are “known for their diligent and no-nonsense approach but need grooming”. “There are concerns over Jothimani’s skills to unify factions and maintain alliances. On the other hand, Senthil can be a transformative leader for the party akin to the BJP’s K Annamalai but he needs to integrate with the state and district-level units of the party,” the leader said.

Selvaperunthagai’s appointment was made after AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly insisted on having a Dalit face for the party in the state. Despite Senthil being in consideration, the MLA’s elevation shows how Kharge had the final say in the matter.

A senior state Congress leader, who is