Alagiri claims genuine DMK cadres are with him

Days after DMK carried out a revamp of the party set up in southern districts, expelled leader M K Alagiri today claimed genuine cadres were with him and took a dig at his brother M K Stalin, dubbing him as a "non-working president".

The former union minister, who had been lying low for a long time, chose the occasion of a wedding of a DMK functionary and his supporter Madurai Veeran near here to air his views on the happenings in the party.

Madurai-based Alagiri, elder son of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, was sacked from the party ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections for alleged indiscipline.

Arriving for the wedding at Palamedu after a rousing reception given by party workers on his way, he said those occupying organisational posts were sticking to the party only for the sake of the positions and did not work for the party.

He claimed that genuine workers of the party were with him.

His remarks come days after DMK working president M K Stalin effected a rejig, easing out party functionaries in seven southern districts and appointing new office-bearers.

The changes were carried out after Stalin's extensive brainstorming sessions over the past two months with cadres.

Despite his expulsion, Alagiri, who was the DMK's organising secretary of the south zone, enjoyed considerable clout among the middle and lower level cadres of the party many of whom respected him for his leadership qualities and ability to mingle with the grassroot workers.

Without naming Stalin, Alagiri said "a non-working president is occupying the post of working president in the party in Chennai."
Referring to the grand welcome given to him, Alagiri said "I recall old memories...when I was given similar reception by the party cadres ..I was wondering whether I am coming for a party function or a private function."