The DMK’s 10th State conference, which began in Tiruchi on Saturday with the ceremonial unfurling of the party flag by DMK president M. Karunanidhi, made it amply clear that party treasurer M.K. Stalin was emerging as the undisputed successor.
Gigantic cut-outs and vinyl posters of Mr. Stalin along with his father were ubiquitous in the city. Passes distributed to mediapersons too carried the images of the father and son.
However, there was no trace of support for M.K. Alagiri, who was recently suspended from the party. Even supporters of DMK MP Kanimozhi have put up a few cut-outs for her.
Party cadres were present in large numbers at the sprawling conference venue at Piratiyur.
Mr. Karunanidhi unfurled the flag and Mr. Stalin hoisted it, as innovative fireworks lit up the sky. Portraits of leaders of the ‘Self-Respect’ movement and Dravidian icons were unveiled.