TN: Karunanidhi's daughter to join politics

Chennai, May 13: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has given the green signal for a more active role in politics for his poetess-daughter Kanimozhi.

''Exemplary public service and hard work will always bring rewards and bestow posts at the appropriate time'' was Mr Karunanidhi's message for Ms Kanimozhi.

''No pains no gains'' seemed to be the DMK chief's belief as he made it clear that holding a party post should not be a pre-requisite for one to become active in politics, talking to sources in an exclusive interview on the occasion of his golden jubilee in the legislature.

Replying to a question whether Ms Kanimozhi, declared his literary heir, would be given a post in the party to enable her to enter active politics and serve the people, he indicated she would not be given any post in the party in the immediate future, but assured his daughter that a suitable post would come to her, if she worked hard and served the public.

Ms Kanimozhi, who was busy in her own literary world, made her entry into public life when she joined hands with Karthik Chidambaram, son of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, to launch ''Karuthu.com'', described as a 'key vehicle' for freedom of speech and expression in 2005.

Ms Kanimozhi hit the headlines when she co-ordinated a week-long Chennai Sangamam Festival, showcasing folk arts. In her address after witnessing a two-hour programme ''Sange Muzhangu'' organised as part of the festival, Mr Karunanidhi declared Ms Kanimozhi as his literary heir. ''I not only see Kanimozhi as my daughter, but also as an heir to my poetic ability, the literary craving, love for Tamil language and the ability to work hard,'' Mr Karunanidhi said giving the green signal for her to enter public life.

The Dravidian patriarch also had a word of advise for youngsters who evinced interest in joining politics.

''Youngsters who are already in the party and others who desire to enter politics should learn to conduct themselves in a dignified manner and function as disciplined soldiers,'' he said.

''They should imbibe the qualities of speed and wisdom and should say no to haste and anger,'' he said and exhorted aspiring youngsters not to forget Anna's magic words ''one should learn to wait till their turn comes.'' These qualities would help them to maintain a high standard of political culture and pave way for a healthy politics, said Mr Karunanidhi who had expressed serious concerns about political culture hitting a new low in the state politics.

UNI