Stalin takes another step towards crown

CHENNAI: The two-day state meet of the DMK youth wing from Saturday in Tirunelveli may not be MK Stalin’s coronation, but it will be a big, sure step towards the crown for the 54-year-old heir apparent to the DMK throne.

Though chief minister M Karunanidhi is unlikely to name his son as either the chief minister or the party president, he is expected to make it clear that Stalin, now the youth wing president and party deputy general secretary, deserves it.

With his daughter Kanimozhi being made a Rajya Sabha member, Karunanidhi has been getting flak for promoting his dynasty, but that may not stop him from giving a party post to his elder son MK Azhagiri.

 While that would only be a token of appreciation for the son who holds the DMK durbar in Madurai and surrounding districts, Stalin is tipped for the top post.

Making Stalin deputy general secretary of the DMK four years ago and local administration minister last year were definitive steps towards the final mile.

Starting his political career in 1967 as an under-aged campaigner for his cousin Murasoli Maran, Stalin has worked his way up the party ladder.

He launched himself into political limelight during Emergency, when he was jailed. As a party worker, legislator and Chennai Mayor, Stalin has enough to substantiate his ascent to the throne.

arunram@dnaindia.net