Karuna to 'leave politics aside' by mid-2010

Chennai, Dec 6: DMK president M Karunanidhi has virtually announced that he would retire from active electoral politics and administration by mid-2010 to dedicate himself to the welfare of the downtrodden.

Addressing a meeting, he said, "After the construction of new Assembly complex, inaugurating of Anna Centenary Library and World Classical Tamil Conference I will be one amongst you shorn of ministerial trappings."

The announcement took the party by surprise as many party leaders were seen intensely discussing amongst themselves on hearing him.

"After all this, I will dedicate the rest of my life to the welfare of the people, brushing aside the trappings of power and politics," 85-year-old Karunanidhi said.

It was in May 2009 that Karunanidhi elevated his son M K Stalin and cabinet colleague as the Deputy Chief Minister allocating most the portfolios handled by him.

In the recent times Karunanidhi has been staying away from poll campaign which is now taken care by Stalin, his elder brother and union Minister Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister M K Alagiri.

OneIndia News