After Karunanidhi’s death, DMK split down the middle as Alagiri challenges Stalin

MK Alagiri, the son of former DMK president M Karunanidhi who was expelled from the party in 2014, said on Monday he has the support of his father’s “true relatives”, ahead of the party’s crucial meeting on Tuesday. “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,” Azhagiri was quoted as saying by ANI. Azhagiri’s claim comes a week after Karunanidhi died following a prolonged illness. The meeting of the DMK’s executive committee is set to take place at the party headquarters in Chennai during which Karunanidhi’s other son MK Stalin could be elevated as the party’s president.
Azhagiri was expelled from the party in 2014 after a turf war between him and Stalin. Apart from Stalin, Karunanidhi’s daughter and Rajya Sabha MP MK Kanimozhi may also be elevated – as either the party’s deputy general secretary or treasurer, according to a second DMK leader familiar with the matter.