The DMK president, M. Karunanidhi, on Sunday offered “self-introspection” as his birthday message to his partymen, even as he observed that boycott and laxity on the part of some party workers had impeded an effective campaign and contributed to the party’s debacle in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
The DMK patriarch, who will turn 91 on June 3, said that while many reasons were cited for the party’s poor performance in the elections, the partymen earned the wrath and unhappiness of the voters through their actions and attitude.
“In the past also, we have faced defeats and reversed them in the subsequent elections. We are responsible for whatever happens to the party and we cannot blame anyone else. The party cadre should analyse the outcome of the polls and prepare themselves for future. Self-introspection will be the basis for our next victory,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Karunanidhi said he had worked closely with leaders of stature such as the former Chief Ministers, Rajaji and Kamaraj, and Communist leaders Jeeva and P. Ramamurthy in Tamil Nadu, besides several great leaders at the national level.
Ruthless criticismHe said that as leader of the regional party for the last 45 years, he had gone through difficult times, faced ruthless criticism and even had to ward off efforts to capture the party organisation and headquarters.
“However, the DMK overcame all these difficulties and emerged victorious,” he added.
