M Karunanidhi re-elected as DMK chief for 11th time

CHENNAI: As the 91-year old DMK Chief M Karunanidhi is re-elected party president for the 11th time on Friday, his two warring sons are not letting the crown rest easy on his head.

But the stone cold silence of the father and the DMK chief is making party insiders wonder what is going on in the shrewd political mind of the patriarch. There were differing views on this deafening silence.

Political observer Manushya Puthiran said, “The DMK leader is quiet because he does not want to be seen taking sides. It is amply clear that Stalin is the natural successor and there is no need for him to step in and reiterate now.’’But there are others who think that things are not that simple.

Political analyst T Sigamani said, “Karunanidhi may be leaning towards Stalin but he wants the handover to be done only after his time. Karunanidhi is aiming to occupy the party president’s post and possibly be in the CM’s chair again."

A Alagiri loyalist said, “Stalin is the only person who is blocking the way for Alagiri re-joining DMK. Kalaignar can give directions to resolve the issue if he intends to do so. But he is quietly watching the siblings fight making one wonder if he wants this to go on.’’