Links with Alagiri actionable: DMK tells party workers

Chennai: DMK on Wednesday warned partymen of disciplinary action against those who continue to maintain links with its suspended leader MK Alagiri.

The stern warning has come two days after party supremo M Karunanidhi’s son Alagiri held meetings with his supporters in Madurai to chalk out his future political course. He had also recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh much to the embarrassment of DMK.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) General Secretary K Anbazhagan issued a statement charging Alagiri of attempts to create confusion among the rank and file of then party in the run up to the 24 April Lok Sabha polls.

He cautioned, “the party will not tolerate indiscipline”. The disciplinary action warning is also aimed at  isolating Alagiri, the strong man of Southern parts of Tamil Nadu, after his threat to play a key role in the Lok Sabha elections in the state and his statements about the bleak prospects of DMK in the hustings.

Alagiri’s statements hailing BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi has also angered the party, prompting the latest action.

“I make it strictly clear that no party comrades, irrespective of their position should have any ties with the suspended Alagiri. The high command will initiate disciplinary action against anyone who violate the party decision,” he said.

The party suspended Alagiri in January accusing him of indulging in acts of indiscipline after he made some charges against his brother MK Stalin, virtually embarrassing the leadership.

Though Alagiri declared that he had no intention to float a new party, he said several times that his father needed saving from “bad” elements surrounding him, targetting Stalin.

The warning to partymen to fall in line with the party directive comes in the backdrop of Karunanidhi launching his election campaign from 5 April including in Madurai, the stronghold of Alagiri.

PTI