Rift in Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has come to the fore less than a week after the demise of party chief M Karunanidhi as his son MK Alagiri has openly challenged the imminent elevation of his brother MK Stalin.
Alagiri visited Karunanidhi's memorial at Chennai's Marina beach on Monday. Talking to reporters later, Alagiri asserted that "true relatives" and supporters of his father are with his side.
"My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers…that is all I am willing to say now," Alagiri said. The statement assumes significance as it has come just a day ahead of DMK's crucial executive committee meeting on Tuesday.
Sources within the party said that working president MK Stalin could be elevated to the top post during the meeting.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which will be held at the party headquarters - Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, states that it has been convened to condole the death of Karunanidhi.
Karunanidhi had expelled Alagir from the DMK in 2014 for indulging in anti-party activities and making derogatory remarks. Karunanidhi had then named Stalin as his political heir. Karunanidhi had named Stalin as working president of the party owing to his bad health.