MADURAI: Even as the opposition parties in the State are desperately looking for potential allies ahead of the Assembly election, a quiet move is on inside the first family of the DMK to bring patriarch M Karunanidhi’s elder son M K Alagiri back into the party fold.
Sources close to the former union minister told Express that if things go according to plans, this might happen before January 30, Alagiri’s birthday.
According to the sources, the move was initiated by Karunanidhi as part of his poll strategy, with only few months left for the next elections. The plan, they added, is to strengthen the party across the State, particularly the south. The plan was broached to other family members, most importantly his heir apparent MK Stalin, a fortnight ago.
Though hesitant at first, Stalin discussed the matter with his inner circle. Many are of the opinion that Alagiri’s utility is limited, as his clout in southern Tamil Nadu has reduced substantially over the recent years.
However, a few others pointed out that regardless of the advantages, a sulking Alagiri can dent the party’s image.Sources said Karunanidhi is concerned about the damage that the sibling rivalry has caused, and is particular about not letting it happen again. After detailed discussions, Stalin has left the final decision to Karunanidhi, sources said. The former south zone organising secretary is now waiting for indications from Stalin on his re-entry. If Stalin, the third in party hierarchy as the treasurer and a former deputy CM, gives his nod, the plan will be finalised in a week, said a close associate of Alagiri.
