ITAK Appoints Youngest MP as Parliamentary Group Leader 📈

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) has appointed 35-year-old Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam as its new Parliamentary Group leader. The move marks a significant generational shift and follows an internal leadership dispute. • Leadership Change: Rasamanickam replaces Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan. The transition was triggered after Shritharan reportedly declined to step down from the Constitutional Council despite party objections regarding his voting record, which included support for military appointments. • Political Context: • Electoral Performance: In the recent general election, Rasamanickam secured the highest preferential votes in Batticaloa, where ITAK retained 3 seats. • Party Stance: The leadership emphasizes a return to core policies, specifically opposing militarisation and advocating for governance reforms and democratic accountability. • Disciplinary Action: ITAK has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Shritharan following his refusal to voluntarily relinquish the leadership post. • Institutional Impact: As a second-term MP and vocal critic of administrative overreach, Rasamanickam’s appointment signals a realignment within the party to address internal divisions and consolidate its stance in Parliament.