Yet, the widespread expectation was clear: once Vetrivel retired, his younger brother Thirumurthi would succeed him as party leader and be projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate, in the next election.
“What now?” Kathir exclaimed. “Our leader has announced
his retirement. There’s barely a year left for elections. What are we going to
do?”
“What can we do?” Neelavannan replied calmly.
“The cadres look to you as the next leader. Under your
leadership, victory is certain. You are the natural successor—the next Chief
Minister.”
“Is it enough that you say so? Do we know what our leader thinks?”
“The leader will want only his brother to take charge.”
“Then how can I possibly take his place?”
“The rank and file of the party are with you. They will
never accept Thirumoorthi. Even among the people, you are more popular. If we contest
the polls under Thirumurthy’s leadership, we will face a humiliating defeat.”
“Our leader will weigh every factor before taking a
decision. Until then, let us remain patient.”
“It is your patience that emboldens Thirumoorthi to
project himself as his brother’s successor” Kathir shot back. “I will raise the
matter in the executive committee meeting. I will propose that you must be chosen as
the next leader. Three-fourths of the executive committee members will stand with you.”
“Don’t act in haste. Let’s focus on party work. If our leader and others in the party believe I am fit to lead the party, then the opportunity will come to me naturally” Neelavannan answered.
“Politics rewards only the bold,” Kathir warned. “Stay muted, and men like Thirumurthi will crush you ruthlessly.”
After Vetrivel’s announcement of his intention to step down, Thirumurthi began to
behave as though power had already passed to him. Since he was the Chief
Minister’s brother, no one dared to resist his overreach.
Though he held no official position in either the government or in the party, an impression was created that Thirumurthi was already in command of both the organs. The growing resentment this created among workers and the public did not trouble Thirumurthy in the least.
Six months before the election, Vetrivel issued another
statement:
“As I have already announced, I will not contest the
forthcoming election. Nor will I engage myself in active politics. It is my wish
that our party faces the election under a new leadership. Therefore, on the
fifteenth morning, I shall submit my resignation to the Governor. That
afternoon, our legislators will meet to elect their new leader. By evening, he
will assume office as the Chief Minister.”
The media wasted no time in dissecting the move:
“The party is destined to lose this election. This
arrangement is nothing but a ploy of Vetrivel to let his brother wear the crown for six
months.”
Kathir, Neelavannan’s staunch supporter, fumed:
“The fortress has fallen! The leader has paved the way
for Thirumoorthi!”
But Neelavannan remained silent.
Hours before the legislative party meeting, an
unprecedented announcement was made by Vetrivel: the entire session would be broadcast
live.
“This has never happened before! Something is about to unfold,” people whispered. Across Tamil Nadu, families gathered in front of their television sets, waiting with breathless anticipation.
When the meeting began, Vetrivel rose to speak:
“This party was built by my predecessors, and by me,
through hard work. If today, it stands like an unshakable fortress despite
countless trials faced by it, it is because of the tireless sacrifices of its
leaders and workers. In the future too, only those who have laboured selflessly
for this party will have the right and the responsibility to guide the party
forward.
In that spirit, I request all of you to elect my beloved
brother Neelavannan—who has worked tirelessly for our cause for many years and
earned the affection of every one of you—as your next leader. I trust you will
honour my wish.”
Even before Vetrivel had ended his speech, thunderous applause filled the
hall.
The Path of Virtue
Restraint
AriruLuyththu vidum.
Verse 120
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