The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has sought more security to party treasurer M.K. Stalin, but it has nothing to do with the Alagiri episode, explained the party's Parliamentary Party leader, T.R. Baalu.
“I wrote to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and the Home Minister sometime ago urging them to upgrade his security to ‘Z’ grade. He is going to be the star campaigner of our party in the Lok Sabha elections and he needs more security’’, Mr. Baalu told The Hindu .
He also said neither DMK president M. Karunanidhi nor the party leadership has written any letter to the Centre in this regard. A section of the press (not The Hindu) had prominently carried a story to this effect on Wednesday.
At present Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel are providing security to Mr. Stalin. DMK leader M. Karunanidhi is covered by ‘Z’ grade security besides Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy.
Mr. Baalu said he wanted ‘Z’ grade security for Stalin after he witnessed the CRPF losing track of Mr. Stalin's convoy during his visit to Madurai. “Then I realised that the CRPF security was very much porous and had discussion with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for upgrading his security. It was followed by a formal letter to them,’’ he said.
“When Mr. Subramanian Swamy enjoys ‘Z’ grade, why not Mr. Stalin who is virtually leading the party and is meeting people every day across the State. He is also vulnerable to political animosity’’, Mr. Baalu said.
