M K Stalin may write his own script

CHENNAI: There may have been moments of tension and showdowns within the DMK’s first family. But when the momentous occasion arrived, none opposed M K Stalin’s coronation as DMK president, barring murmurs of protest from M K Alagiri.




For Stalin, family support is as crucial as the endorsement and loyalty of his father’s contemporaries and senior associates. On Tuesday, his sister Kanimozhi and nephew Dayanidhi Maran provided the moral support he required in the absence of his father and former DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

His older sister Selvi, married to Murasoli Selvam, brother of Murasoli Maran, took the traditional ‘aarti’ as Stalin stepped into his father’s Gopalapuram residence in Chennai after being elected DMK president. His brother M K Tamilarasu was also present to seal the family loyalty loop.

“Stalin has managed to win over all the family members, including Selvi and Kanimozhi. The tearful interview that Selvi gave Sun News recently is proof enough. Apart from Alagiri, there is no one who can shake his confidence nor his seat,” said analyst Tharasu Shyam.

But Alagiri would continue to be the spoiler, said Shyam. “The first acid test is the September 5 ‘condolence’ rally that Alagiri has planned in Chennai. He could also prove a spoilsport in the Thirupurankundram byelection in Madurai district,” he said.

Alagiri must be disappointed that he hasn’t found much sympathy in the family. Though there were attempts by Selvi to play peacemaker between the brothers, Stalin and DMK general secretary K Anbazhagan have been firm against Alagiri’s re-induction into the party. Family members are now reconciled to the estrangement.

For her part, Kanimozhi was all praise for Stalin. “He has put in more than 50 years of hard work. He is a leader chosen by Perasiriyar (general secretary K Anbazhagan) and Thalaivar (Karunanidhi). Stalin has steered the party through many ups and downs in the last one-and-a-half years when Karunanidhi was unwell, said Kanimozhi.

“I am happy that a person who has understood the basic ideology of the party and has been through a lot of trials himself is going to lead the party. He has got the support of all party cadres. And I am very happy him,” she said, adding, “Definitely I would like to see him as the next CM of the state”.

A DMK source said Stalin, while he enjoys the support, would not promote his relatives in the party. “The power enjoyed by family members had given the AIADMK a handle to criticise the DMK for family rule. The DMK is yet to recover from the poll debacle that year, and Stalin will be cautious,” said the source.

Dayanidhi Maran and Kanimozhi may continue as Stalin’s Delhi emissaries, but A Raja or someone else may also be groomed to

play a bigger role. Kanimozhi has two more years as Rajya Sabha member. When the next nominations come, Stalin will have to weigh options. For now, family is as dear to him as the party.