DMK suspends former union minister M K Alagiri temporarily

Ever since Karunanidhi announced Stalin as his successor, Alagiri has been accused of anti-party activities

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) today “temporarily” suspended Former Union Minister and Party’ South Zone organising secretary M K Alagiri from all the positions. Terming it as “disciplinary action” against the 62-year old Alagiri, who is also son of DMK Supermo M Karunanidhi, the Party alleged that Alagiri was involved in anti-party activities and decision was taken in the "interests of the party".
In a statement, DMK's General Secretary K Anbazhagan said Alagiri has been suspended from all party posts for anti-party activities and for violating party discipline.

gHe (Alagiri) strongly criticised the action taken against those who had betrayed the interests of the party and indulged in unnecessary arguments. He had also asked party cadres not to work and to keep away from organisational works and caused enormous trouble,” said in the Statement.

He added, his continuation in the party is not proper and would destroy the party discipline, hence Alagiri is temporarily suspended from the party. "The members should accept this decision taken in the interests of the party and should stand united for the functioning of the party," Anbazhagan said.

Political observers have said today's development once again confirms Alagiri’s clout, be it within the family or inside the party, has gone down and DMK is in the control of Stalin. However, DMK's Spokesperson said this is nothing to do with the succession battle.

gIt was an disciplinary action and will seek explanation from him (Alagiri). The decision was taken by the Head Quarters”.

Alagiri has been involved in an aggressive and tug-of-war with the party high command, ever since (last year) his father said he would like his younger son and Alagiri's brother M K Stalin will be his political successor. However Alagiri said he will not accept anybody as his leader except his father.

Recently, in a recent interview to a Tamil channel, Alagiri also opposed any alliance talks with Vijaykanth-led DMDK for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu. His comment came at a time Karunanidhi commented that he would be happy if there was an alliance between DMK and DMDK.DMK stated that there are proper elected bodies within the party to discuss grievances and resolve to disputes, but Alagiri and his supporters went to the public.

A week before DMK suspended five DMK members, who are closed to Alagiri, stating that they had sought to create an impression that the DMK was riddled with casteism. Alagiri strongly criticised this action.