The succession issue in the DMK came to the fore again with party chief M Karunanidhi giving indication that his younger son M K Stalin would take over the party reins after him. Delivering a speech at a DMK meeting in Chennai where Stalin was also present, Karunanidhi said, “Till my last breath I will work for the development of society. To a question as to who will carry on this work after me, you should not forget Stalin, who is sitting here.” His statement drew loud applause from party cadres.
Party seniors said Karunanidhi has clarified two issues with his remark. “For the first time he has directly announced that Stalin is his successor,” said a DMK Union minister. But, at the same time, the DMK chief has also made it clear he would remain at the helm of party affairs during his lifetime, thus ruling out an immediate elevation for Stalin in the party hierarchy, he pointed out.
Karunanidhi had given enough indication in the past too that Stalin, who is the DMK treasurers, would take over the party reins. But, the statement assumes significance in the backdrop of simmering tension between Stalin and his elder brother, Union minister M K Alagiri, over the succession issue.
Party sources pointed out that Stalin has been strengthening his position in the party in the last two years. Stalin has also been making strategic moves, like touring the state, meeting senior leaders, winning over detractors and writing in the party organ Murasoli, just like his father.
Karunanidhi’s remark comes at a time when the DMK is gearing up for the organizational elections later this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment