Union Minister M.K. Alagiri, who was upset with his father and DMK president M. Karunanidhi for backing his younger brother M.K. Stalin for the party leadership, called on him at his Gopalapuram residence on Tuesday.
DMK sources refused to attach any significance to the meeting and sought to explain that the purpose of Mr. Alagiri’s visit was to call on his mother Dayalu Ammal, who has not been keeping well for sometime.
Mr. Karunanidhi, on January 6, after a meeting of the district secretaries, had made it clear that Mr. Stalin was his choice to lead the party. On an earlier occasion, he had said that Mr. Stalin was fulfilling his expectations, evoking strong reaction from Mr. Alagiri who said the DMK was not a mutt (for an incumbent to anoint a successor).
DMK leaders said Mr. Karunanidhi was very angry with Mr. Alagiri for making such a sarcastic remark and he had conveyed his displeasure to close friends.
“Our leader’s stand is that Mr. Stalin is doing party work effectively and is touring the State extensively. Moreover, he did not expect Mr. Alagiri to react in the manner that he did,” said a DMK leader.
Party sources said Mr. Karunanidhi was firm on his stand that his choice would be Mr. Stalin and that the visit of his elder son would not make any difference.
Unlikely to impact party leadership's stand
“Perhaps, it will help ease tension within the family, but is unlikely to impact on the party leadership’s stand,” the sources said.
