Alagiri backs Modi as PM, praises AIADMK

Chennai, March 17: Suspended DMK leader MK

today welcomed the prospects of BJP's Narendra Modi becoming prime minister.

"I believe there is a Modi wave. I have already said he is a good administrator and will welcome if he becomes (prime minister)," he told a TV channel.

Alagiri, suspended from DMK in January, has kept the political circles abuzz following his recent high-profile meetings in Delhi when he called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and BJP president Rajnath Singh, sparking off speculation about his future plans.

The former union minister, had, however described the meetings as a 'courtesy call.' Alagiri alleged that DMK had fielded "unknown" persons as candidates for the 24 April Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, ignoring those who worked hard for it and demanded that the party withdraw all its 35 candidates for the polls.

He also praised AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa for changing the party's district secretaries if they did not work. "I appreciate that. That is one reason why AIADMK is united and disciplined.

There is a command system. There is no such system in DMK," he told his supporters. In DMK, grievances and complaints of the workers did not reach the high command, he said.

Alagiri also said he was willing to work for the party if the high command invited him. If they did not do so, he would meet more supporters and think about his next plan of action.

He said BJP president Rajnath Singh had sought his support when he met him in Delhi. He had also met MDMK leader Vaiko. "I can feel that Vaiko is as friendly now as he was earlier," he said.

PTI