JOIN USDMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s eldest son M K Alagiri, who was dismissed from the party, is likely to dent the DMK's prospects in this Lok Sabha polls in politically-sensitive southern constituencies of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, and Tirunelveli.
Known to be a charismatic leader, Alagiri had been a force to reckon with in Madurai and the southern districts, with his influence running in at least eight constituencies, including Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari.
Expelled DMK leader rebellious stance is threatening to rock the electoral fortunes of the Karunanidhi-led party which is facing an acid test from rivals like the ruling AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA in the April 24 polls.
One thing which appears certain is that the former Union Fertilisers minister, who had been vociferously critical of the DMK leadership, which has fielded several M K Stalin loyalists across southern districts against Alagiri's wishes.
Alagiri was locked in an open political struggle with his younger sibling Stalin for control over DMK’s affairs.
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.
Alagiri embarrassed his father by calling on Prime Minister and reportedly expressing his displeasure at DMK having walked out of the Congress-led UPA alliance. He also met BJP President Rajnath Singh.