DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s statement hinting that his younger son M.K. Stalin would be his political heir came as a shock to supporters of M.K. Alagiri here on Thursday. However, the mood is upbeat in Stalin camp.
After the remarks of Mr. Karunanidhi started making the rounds, it turned out to be a moment of celebration for those in the Stalin camp here.
When contacted, functionaries owing allegiance to Mr. Stalin said, “Our party president Karunanidhi had in the past expressed satisfaction over Stalin’s performance and his ability to take the party to higher levels. It is only a matter of time for the transition. We hope the entire affair will be smooth.”
However, it was not so in Alagiri’s camp. Mr. Karunanidhi’s remarks were not in the interest of the party, said a close associate of Mr. Alagiri. He said only very recently “our leader (Alagiri) had conveyed that if it is south Tamil Nadu, he (Alagiri) matters” and had vehemently opposed any change in the top leadership.
A former MLA, who is close to Mr. Alagiri, said, “We are busy with the arrangements for Alagiri’s birthday celebrations. He will take care of such things. He knows politics better and is cleverer than others. He will make the right move at the right time. After all, like us, for them (Alagiri and his family members) also the party is important. They will ensure that there is no crack.”
However, a political observer in Madurai, who has been closely watching the developments, said that only on Tuesday Mr. Alagiri had made a remark in the media that many things could happen before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Things had started moving now within the DMK now, he pointed out.
Mr. Alagiri could not be contacted for his comments on the issue.
