MK Alagiri
The battle for DMK President post further intensified on Monday as former cabinet minister and expelled party leader MK Alagiri warned the party of 'consequences' if they do not re-admit him into it.
"If they don't take me back, then they have to face consequences," he told reporters after holding consultations with his supporters for a fourth day. However, he refused to elaborate.
Alagiri, the elder brother of Stalin, said Karunandihi wanted to readmit him into the party. In an apparent reference to Stalin and his supporters , Alagiri added that it was them that prevented it from happening.
Earlier on Sunday after his estranged brother MK Stalin filed nomination papers for the post of party president, Alagiri said that he will decide what to do when by-polls are announced. Talking to reporters in Chennai, Alagiri said, "What do I do? You want me to go and propose his name? We will see what to do when by-polls are announced".
Karunanidhi had expelled Alagiri and his supporters from the party in 2014 at the height of his fight with Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party. Earlier on Saturday, Alagiri in a statement said that DMK would face major threat after his September 5 rally in Chennai which is considered by many as a show of strength by the former union minister. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Alagari said,"Watch how Tamil Nadu accepts me after this rally."
When asked about reasons for rejoining the party, the expelled leader said,"What is wrong in joining the DMK? It's my mothership party. It is a party developed by Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi) and Anna (CN Annadurai)". Alagiri also claimed that if he was not re-admitted to the DMK, the party leaders would again face similar defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as it did in the last parliamentary and Assembly polls. "The same situation will continue", he said.
Taking a dig at his brother MK Stalin, Alagiri said: "I never desired for any post when thalaivar (leader) Karunanidhi was alive. Why should I seek any post now? I don't have desire to become the DMK president.... Stalin is showing urgency in taking over as party president."
The political battle between the brothers got more intense after Alagiri on 13 August claimed that all loyal party workers are with him and hit out at Stalin, accusing him of blocking his return to the party.
However, DMK has brushed aside Alagiri's latest claims. The party will convene its general council meet in Chennai on August 28, where its working president Stalin will be elevated as the party the chief.
Alagiri wielded considerable influence in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and was the party's organising secretary for south zone before his expulsion.
