Alagiri-factor might cost DMK dear in south TN

 Expelled DMK leader and former Union minister MK Alagiri's rebellious stance is threatening to rock the electoral fortunes of the M Karunanidhi-led party which is facing an acid test from rivals like the ruling AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA in the April 24 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.

Alagiri's revolt, which was initially perceived to be a war of succession raging within DMK's first family to decide on Karunanidhi's political heir, snowballed into a major crisis after the party suspended him after accusing him of breaching discipline. DMK has now finally expelled Alagiri from the party.

Alagiri, Karunanidhi's elder son, was locked in an open political struggle with his younger sibling MK Stalin for control over DMK's affairs.

And, much to the chagrin of Madurai strongman Alagiri, Stalin won the succession race, apparently with the blessings of Karunanidhi.

Alagiri went against the DMK leadership over his opposition to its decision to snap ties with Congress and pull out its ministers from the Union Cabinet, of which he was also a part.

DMK's decision to suspend Alagiri, who wields considerable influence among DMK cadre in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu, thinking it would force the rebel leader to mend fences with the party, however, rather worsened the situation.

Alagiri not only embarrassed his father by calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and reportedly expressing his displeasure at DMK having walked out of the Congress-led UPA alliance, but the rebel leader also met BJP President Rajnath Singh.
Affectionately addressed as 'Anja Nenjan' (man with a brave heart) by his supporters, Alagiri has also praised BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

He has now been giving sleepless nights to the DMK leadership after engaging in consultations with his supporters to chalk out his future political map with the options including one for floating a new political outfit.