DMK's state conference begins in Tiruchirappalli

The DMK's two-day state conference started in Tiruchirappalli Saturday with president M.Karunanidhi hoisting the party flag on a 90 feet flagpost - the height intended to signify his age.

Karunanidhi would turn 90 years of age this June.

However the flagpost was named after K.N.Ramajayam who was murdered a couple of years ago. He was the brother of DMK leader K.N.Nehru.

The entrance to the conference venue was designed like Delhi's Red Fort in Delhi while the dais was modelled like parliament.

DMK leaders and cadres in large numbers have assembled in Tiruchirappalli - around 350km from here - to attend the conference.

This is the fifth party conference to be held in this city.

According to party officials, Karunanidhi would address the gathering Sunday evening.

Speaking at the conference, party leaders expressed confidence of winning all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry in the coming general elections.

The conference coming ahead of the general elections is expected to put the DMK cadres and leaders in poll mode.