'Predicting Stalin's death led to Alagiri's suspension'

Predicting his brother M.K. Stalin's death, use of unsavoury words, functioning in a manner not in line with the post he holds, and giving media interviews violating party code of conduct are some of the reasons that led to M.K. Alagiri's suspension from the DMK, party president M. Karunanidhi said Tuesday.

Karunanidhi's clarifications came at his interaction with the media.

On Jan 24, the DMK temporarily suspended Alagiri for creating confusion in the party ranks and criticising the disciplinary action taken against some colleagues for "anti-party activities".

Alagiri, 62, son of Karunanidhi, 89, is opposed to his brother M.K. Stalin, 60, being elected to the party's top post.

The Alagiri-Stalin rivalry has plagued the DMK for a long time, and Karunanidhi has managed to keep a fragile peace.

Recalling the early morning meeting with Alagiri at his home here Jan 24, Karunanidhi said: "Alagiri has been nurturing unknown hatred against Stalin for a long time. He came to my bedroom and complained about Stalin using unsavoury words."

"He also shouted in anger that Stalin would die in three to four months. No father can tolerate such words...," Karunanidhi said.

Karunanidhi said as a party leader he cannot tolerate any member predicting the death of another.

To a query whether the suspension would be revoked if Alagiri tenders an apology, Karunanidhi said: "The question has to be posed to him."

Stalin was the Chennai mayor in 1996-2001 and 2001-02. He was also the deputy chief minister in 2009-11.

On Jan 7, Karunanidhi warned Alagiri and others that the party would act against those who defy the official line.

He said such action could include removal from primary membership of the party.

In a recent interview, Alagiri, the organising secretary of the DMK in Tamil Nadu's south zone, opposed an alliance in the Lok Sabha election with the DMDK party of actor Vijayakanth.

Alagiri's opposition came after Karunanidhi advocated the alliance. A miffed Karunanidhi then termed Alagiri's views regrettable and condemnable.

The DMK chief also said that decisions on electoral alliances were taken by the party's executive and general council or other relevant bodies.

In recent times, the DMK has taken action against Alagiri supporters in Madurai, considered a Alagiri stronghold.

Political analyst Gnani earlier told IANS: "The temporary suspension is as good as permanent expulsion. The temporary suspension shows that Alagiri's clout within the Karunanidhi family has gone down."

The DMK, formed in 1949, first took power in Tamil Nadu in 1969, and again in 1971. It returned to power in 1989 and later in 1996 and 2006.