 "Alagiri-factor might cost DMK dear in south TN")
Expelled DMK leader and former Union minister MK Alagiri's rebellious stance is threatening to rock the electoral fortunes of the M Karunanidhi-led party which is facing an acid test from rivals like the ruling AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA in the April 24 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.
Alagiri's revolt, which was initially perceived to be a war of succession raging within DMK's first family to decide on Karunanidhi's political heir, snowballed into a major crisis after the party suspended him after accusing him of breaching discipline. DMK has now finally expelled Alagiri from the party.
Alagiri, Karunanidhi's elder son, was locked in an open political struggle with his younger sibling MK Stalin for control over DMK's affairs.
And, much to the chagrin of Madurai strongman Alagiri, Stalin won the succession race, apparently with the blessings of Karunanidhi.
Alagiri went against the DMK leadership over his opposition to its decision to snap ties with Congress and pull out its ministers from the Union Cabinet, of which he was also a part.
DMK's decision to suspend Alagiri, who wields considerable influence among DMK cadre in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu, thinking it would force the rebel leader to mend fences with the party, however, rather worsened the situation.
Alagiri not only embarrassed his father by calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and reportedly expressing his displeasure at DMK having walked out of the Congress-led UPA alliance, but the rebel leader also met BJP President Rajnath Singh.
Affectionately addressed as 'Anja Nenjan' (man with a brave heart) by his supporters, Alagiri has also praised BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
He has now been giving sleepless nights to the DMK leadership after engaging in consultations with his supporters to chalk out his future political map with the options including one for floating a new political outfit.
Alagiri's revolt, which was initially perceived to be a war of succession raging within DMK's first family to decide on Karunanidhi's political heir, snowballed into a major crisis after the party suspended him after accusing him of breaching discipline. DMK has now finally expelled Alagiri from the party.
Alagiri, Karunanidhi's elder son, was locked in an open political struggle with his younger sibling MK Stalin for control over DMK's affairs.
And, much to the chagrin of Madurai strongman Alagiri, Stalin won the succession race, apparently with the blessings of Karunanidhi.
Alagiri went against the DMK leadership over his opposition to its decision to snap ties with Congress and pull out its ministers from the Union Cabinet, of which he was also a part.
DMK's decision to suspend Alagiri, who wields considerable influence among DMK cadre in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu, thinking it would force the rebel leader to mend fences with the party, however, rather worsened the situation.
Alagiri not only embarrassed his father by calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and reportedly expressing his displeasure at DMK having walked out of the Congress-led UPA alliance, but the rebel leader also met BJP President Rajnath Singh.
Affectionately addressed as 'Anja Nenjan' (man with a brave heart) by his supporters, Alagiri has also praised BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
He has now been giving sleepless nights to the DMK leadership after engaging in consultations with his supporters to chalk out his future political map with the options including one for floating a new political outfit.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%