DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin’s indication at the September 15 ‘Mupperum Vizha’ that he was not in the race for the chief ministerial candidate in the 2016 Assembly elections seems to have come as a big relief to the party leaders and cadres who remained helpless over internal squabbles in recent months.
In what is termed a good strategy, Mr. Stalin has not only stopped the rumour mills — that he is putting pressure on his father and party leader M. Karunanidhi to announce him as the chief ministerial candidate — from working, but also conveyed the message to his two siblings that he is accommodative. “We are certain that Kanimozhi [DMK M.P.] will acknowledge his message, but there is no guarantee that Alagiri [former Union Minister] can be convinced by this gesture,” said a former Minister. Mr. Stalin said on Monday he would value appreciation from his father over other considerations. Party leaders argue that his stand will stem dissent within the organisation, especially when there is a dire need to keep the party united for the 2016 Assembly elections.