Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionaries here flayed former Union Minister M.K. Alagiri for making “derogatory” remarks against party treasurer M.K. Stalin in connection with a survey that concluded that Mr. Stalin was more popular than his father and party president M. Karunanidhi among the voters of Tamil Nadu.
Urban and rural district secretaries of the DMK hurriedly organised two separate press conferences here on Friday to show their solidarity with Mr. Stalin.
A statement jointly issued by urban district secretary V. Veluchamy (north) and G. Thalapathi (south) said that Mr. Alagiri, who was not even a primary member of the party, had made remarks only to safeguard his interests.
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The statement was issued also on behalf of party leaders including former Minister Pon. Muthuramalingam and R. Tamilarasi and former Mayor P. Kuzhanthaivelu.
Mr. Alagiri had accused Mr. Stalin of having “masterminded” the survey with an eye on the post of Chief Minister and said that only Mr. Karunanidhi could be the next Chief Minister
Accusing Mr. Alagiri of having enjoyed the fruits of the party whenever it was in power, the statement said that he would take a pro-ruling party approach if the DMK was not in power.
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The leaders accused him of having indulged in anti-party activities and alleged that he had fielded his own men against the party’s official candidates in the Assembly, local body and Parliamentary elections in the past.
Talking to reporters on behalf of the rural district unit secretaries, P. Moorthi and M. Manimaran, party senior leader ‘Sedapatti’ Muthiah condemned Mr. Alagiri for his statement.