Stalin stands in way of Alagiri's DMK re-entry

CHENNAI: The latest war of words between M K Alagiri and his younger brother M K Stalin could well have deepened the rift between the siblings and caused further setback to attempts to get the rebel leader back into the DMK. On Sunday, there were all indications that the rapprochement between the brothers was unlikely. Alagiri had described Stalin as "a man without address" and Stalin shot back saying he was not keen to talk about "outsiders".

On Monday, DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi came to Stalin's support, saying there was no need to recall Alagiri to the party as he did not have even one percent support. Bharathi told reporters, "Even during C N Annadurai's period no one was recalled when they quit the party. It was only for Periyar a chair awaited his return".

On Alagiri's "statements" against the party and Stalin, Bharathy said, "Alagiri is not in the party and therefore there is no need to react." Stalin has been recognised not only by partymen but also by other party leaders. "Saying Stalin is a person without address is only to get cheap publicity through controversy," he said.

There may be attempts, particularly by family members, to get Alagiri back into the DMK fold. But, with party chief M Karunanidhi making it clear that his younger son Stalin would be his political heir, it is doubtful that Stalin will be in any hurry to facilitate his brother's re-entry into the party. The succession drama has been marked by bitter sibling rivalry and sharp statements by Alagiri that have made the party squirm with embarrassment, finally ending in his expulsion from DMK.

"One of Kalaignar's children has been trying hard to bridge the gap between the brothers and bring Alagiri back into the party. Though Stalin has been opposing it vehemently, Kalaignar had agreed to it. But, he (Karunanidhi) was livid when he heard about Alagiri's remarks," a senior DMK leader told TOI. Meanwhile, in a display of sibling bonhomie, Kanimozhi was photographed falling at Stalin's feet to seek his blessings on her 47{+t}{+h} birthday. Stalin had visited his half-sister's residence in Chennai on the occasion.

http://ift.tt/1q9KgX6 K Stalin,M K Alagiri,DMK

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