As DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin celebrated his 61 birthday on Saturday, the scale and manner in which his supporters marked the occasion indicated the wide acceptance he has achieved among the second-level hierarchy and also cadre as the organisation’s next leader. In January 2013, party president M. Karunanidhi made it clear that Mr. Stalin would be his clear choice for party leader after him.
Leaders from across the State were in the city to greet Mr. Stalin on the YMCA grounds, Royapettah, venue of the celebrations. Partymen carrying shawls, fruits, portraits and currency garlands made a beeline to greet Mr. Stalin and his wife Durga.
A group of partymen from Tiruvannamalai arrived in a procession, carrying a portrait of Lord Annamalai and his consort accompanied by a music troupe. “This birthday is is a turning point, as it comes after he assumed a larger responsibility in the party, especially after the revamp of the youth wing and the Tiruchi conference,” said former Minister Thangam Thennarasu.
He said it was not just Tamil Nadu leaders, but also national figures who were keenly watching his line of thinking on electoral alliances, indicating his growing stature.
DMK MP T.M. Selvaganapathy said party leaders and cadres have started seeing Mr. Karunanidhi in Mr. Stalin. “Kalaignar secured a special place in the party even when party founder Anna was alive. It is true in the case of Mr. Stalin too,” he said.
Mr. Stalin re-launched his website with new features, providing scope for interaction and facilities for those seeking an appointment with him. Mr Stalin also opened a Twitter account: twitter/mkstalin.
