Karuna stops short of saying Stalin is next DMK chief

Chennai, Jun 3: DMK president Karunanidhi today stopped short of stating that his son and party treasurer M K Stalin would succeed him as the party chief even as he sought to enthuse cadres by saying that every one of them could aspire for the top post.

Referring to Stalin, Karunanidhi said "treasurer until now" and then gave a pause and amid thunderous applause added, "if understood, then it is alright and if not understood, still it's fine." He made these remarks at the very outset of his address to thousands of party workers at the YMCA Grounds here on the occasion of his 92nd birthday celebrations.

Stalin, who was seated next to him, was all smiles when his father and party chief uttered the words. On some previous occasions, Karunanidhi had given ample indications that Stalin was likely to be the next party chief. In what is seen as Karunanidhi's reply to a criticism that young people faced difficulties often in growing in DMK's party hierarchy which had several old faces, he said everyone could aspire for top positions in the party.

Referring to Stalin's party work and detailing his own growth story in DMK, he recalled how he went on to become the party president after starting as a secretary for an area in Thanjavur district.

"It will be enough if each and every party youth thought of growing like that, and each and every youth can become a Karunanidhi, Stalin and Duraimurugan (a former Minister and senior leader)," he said, amid rounds of applause. He also appealed to party youths to give up selfishness to grow and work for an egalitarian society.

PTI