Alagiri targets Stalin, says will not contest Lok Sabha polls

A day after being dismissed from Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam by his father and party president M Karunanidhi, former union minister MK Alagiri said that he will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Zee Media Bureau

Chennai: A day after being dismissed from Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam by his father and party president M Karunanidhi, former union minister MK Alagiri on Wednesday said that he will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Talking to reporters, the Madurai strongman targeted his younger brother MK Stalin, saying action should be taken against those who commit "mistakes".

Sticking to his stand, Alagiri said he had not committed any wrongdoing that warranted his expulsion from DMK.

Alagiri added that he would not contest the coming elections and predicted a bad show for DMK in the hustings, saying it may not win more than a couple of seats.

Speaking to the press at the airport here, a sulking Alagiri said, "I didn`t do any crime. I won`t relent till action is taken against those who had committed mistakes," obviously targeting Stalin.

The Southern party strongman, who wields considerable influence over DMK cadres and has the capability to derail the party`s prospects, also questioned the charges against him for MDMK chief Vaiko`s visit to his residence two days ago.

"I did not invite Vaiko to my house. If someone comes to my house, what can I do?" he asked.
Reacting to his dismissal, an unfazed but defiant Alagiri on Tuesday initially said he "had no reaction" but later said he would move the court against the action.

Karunanidhi had told reporters here that Alagiri had been sacked for criticising the party in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election and causing confusion in the minds of DMK members and supporters.

A defiant Alagiri told a news agency: "I have no reaction (to my dismissal). I just had lunch, and want to sleep peacefully. I am not the loser. They are the losers."

Asked if he would float a new party, he said: "As of now I have no such plans. Everything will be decided after discussing with my supporters."

Later, he told reporters in Madurai that he will challenge his dismissal in the court.

Alagiri said the decision was taken under pressure from quarters which he knows.
On January 24, the DMK suspended Alagiri, 63, for opposing his brother MK Stalin, 61, who is tipped for the party`s top post. Both are 89-year-old Karunanidhi`s sons.

Karunanidhi said Alagiri had been asked to explain his conduct after his suspension. But he did not do so.

The deterred Alagiri went on to meet MDMK leader Vaiko -- a former DMK stalwart -- and BJP`s Sivaganga candidate H Raja.

Both leaders had sought Alagiri`s support in the General Elections.

(With Agency inputs)

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