The DMK is in real trouble within a week of the passing away of its patriarch, M Karunanidhi. On Monday, his elder son Alagiri made his intention clear about contesting for the leadership of the party.
Talking to reporters after visiting the site in Chennai’s Marina Beach where his father was interred on Wednesday, Alagiri said, “The party cadre and Karunanidhi loyalists are with me. They are supporting me. Today, I have conveyed my agony and anguish about the DMK to the soul of my father.”
Alagiri was accompanied by his wife Kanthi, son Daya and daughter Kayalvizhi.
Alagiri’s outburst came a day ahead of the executive committee meeting convened by DMK working president Stalin. Though the agenda of the meeting is yet to be finalised, sources close to Stalin said the executive committee is meeting to adopt a condolence resolution over the passing away of Karunanidhi. There are reports that the meeting may even elect/propose Stalin as the party president.
later speaking to a TV channel, Alagiri unleashed an all-out attack on his younger sibling. “It is Stalin who wants to keep me out of the DMK. He was the one who got me expelled from the party. Many leaders in the DMK are in touch with Rajinikanth,” charged Alagiri.
He reiterated many posts in the DMK are being sold to the highest bidder which has upset loyal activists of the party.
Narayan lakshman, senior journalist and political commentator, told The Pioneer that there won’t be any immediate battle in the DMK.
“But one cannot rule out the possibility of a turf war in future. The fact is that Stalin has to show his mettle and leadership qualities. The DMK has to face two bypolls in the near future, Thiruparankundram and Thiruvarur. If the DMK fails to win these seats, Stalin may have to furnish a lot of explanation to the party cadre (to remain at the helm of the party),” lakshman said.
The timing of the Alagiri’s outburst is crucial. He has been maintaining silence all these weeks. Though many senior political leaders called on the Kavery Hospital where Karunanidhi was undergoing treatment, Alagiri chose to be in the background. Interestingly, Rajinikanth was the only visitor with whom Alagiri had a brief exchange of pleasantries.
When Karunanidhi’s mortal remains was kept at Rajaji Hall in Chennai, Alagiri was conspicuous by his absence. During the funeral of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach, the military officers handed over the tri-colour with which they had draped Karunanidhi’s body to Stalin instead of Alagiri. These developments had not gone unnoticed by the political commentators who had warned that the turf war may begin sooner than expected.
