Karunanidhi's daughter takes RS route to politics

Chennai, May 26: Poet Kanimozhi, daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi, is all set to take a plunge into active politics, with the party nominating her to the Rajya Sabha today. A DMK high-level Working Committee meeting, chaired by Mr Karunanidhi, gave its nod to field Ms Kanimozhi for the June 15 biennial election to the Rajya Sabha from the State Assembly, signalling her foray into politics.

The induction of Ms Kanimozhi, who was declared by the DMK supremo as his literary heir, into politics did not come as a surprise as political circles were agog with speculations that she would be nominated to the Rajya Sabha after the party forced Mr Dayanidhi Maran to step down on May 13 following a stand off between the DMK and the Marans.

In an interview to sourcs, a fortnight ago, on the occasion of the completion of one year in office, Mr Karunanidhi gave the green signal to Ms Kanimozhi for a more active role in politics.

The DMK leader had said a suitable post in the party would come to her if she worked hard and served the public. ''Exemplary public service and hard work will always bring rewards and bestow posts at the appropriate time,'' he had quipped.

Ms Kanimozhi, who was busy in the literary world after a brief stint as a journalist, had made her debut in public life when she joined hands with Mr Karthik Chidambaram, son of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in 2005, to launch 'karuthu.com', a vehicle for freedom of speech and expression. She had hit the headlines early this year when she coordinated a week-long Chennai Sangamam festival, showcasing folk arts and taking Carnatic music to the masses.

Impressed with 'Sange Muzhangu', a dance programme organised by her, Mr Karunanidhi had declared that Kanimozhi was his literary heir.

''I not only see Kanimozhi as my daughter, but also as a heir to my political ability, literary craving, love for Tamil and the ability to work hard,'' the DMK chief had said, giving the green signal for her to take up a more active role in public life.

In the wake of Mr Maran's sensational exit from the Union Cabinet and the sudden turn of political fortunes, Ms Kanimozhi is projected as the party's new representative in Delhi.

A reluctant player in Dravidian politics till recently, Ms Kanimozhi no doubt, is DMK's emerging star.

UNI