As Alagiri announces revolt, here's a look at key players of Tamil Nadu's first family
M Karunanidhi, who died on Tuesday, has been the patriarch of the DMK Party since 1969. He served Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times (1969–71, 1971–76, 1989–91, 1996–2001 and 2006–2011).
M Karunanidhi, who died on Tuesday, has been the patriarch of the DMK Party since 1969. He served Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times (1969–71, 1971–76, 1989–91, 1996–2001 and 2006–2011).
He married three times; his wives are the late Padmavathy, Dayalu and Rajathi.
He has four sons, namely MK Muthu, MK Alagiri, MK Stalin, and MK Tamilarasu and two daughters, Selvi and Kanimozhi. MK Muthu, his eldest son, was born to Padmavathy, who died early. Azhagiri, Stalin, Selvi and Tamilarasu were born to Dayalu, while Kanimozhi is the only daughter from his third wife, Rajathi.
After Padmavati’s death, Karunanidhi married Dayaluammal who bore him Stalin and Azhagiri (other than a daughter, Selvi, who married Murasoli Maran’s brother Selvam). Later, Rajathiammal entered Karunanidhi’s life as a ‘partner’, whom the DMK chief preferred to refer to as ‘my daughter Kanimozhi’s mother’. As Outlook reported, Karunanidhi would have perhaps liked Kanimozhi to enter politics, but she has preferred to be known as a literary figure. Another son, Tamizharasu, also born of Dayaluammal, never turned proactive in politics.
Karunanidhi's nephew Murasoli Maran, who is his sister's son, Member of Parliament for 36 years, he was made a Union Minister in three separate central governments, in charge of Urban Development in the V.P. Singh government, Industry in the Gowda and Gujral governments, and finally Commerce and Industry under Vajpayee. He was succeeded by his sons Kalanithi and Dayanidhi Maran
An Indian actor, singer and politician, Muthu started acting in 1970 and appeared in films such as Pillaiyo Pillai, Samayalkaran, Anayavilaku, Ingeyum Manidhargal and Pookari. He also sang a few songs in these films. In 2008, he sang a song for the film Mattuthavani under music director Deva.
After his first wife's death, Karunanidhi married Dayalu Ammal, who bore him three sons and a daughter, namely MK Alagiri, MK Stalin, and MK Tamilarasu and two daughters, Selvi
MK Stalin, the working president of the DMK, is considered by many as Karunanidhi's favourite child. He was 37th Mayor of Chennai from 1996 to 2002 and 1st Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2011. Stalin is the third son of M Karunanidhi, and was born to his second wife, Dayalu Ammal
Alagiri was expelled from the DMK in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and he has been making statements criticising the functioning of his younger brother and then party treasurer Stalin ever since. After Karunanidhi was taken ill in October 2016, Stalin was promoted as party’s working president in January last year. A week after Karunanidhi's death, Alagiri claimed to have the support of his father’s loyal cadres. “I have come to express my grouse with my father. You will know what it is about. Kalaignar’s loyal supporters are with me. All the loyalists in Tamil Nadu are with me and they are supporting me. Only time will tell,” Alagiri said after paying respects at his father’s grave at Marina.
Not much is know about Karunanidhi’s son MK Tamilarasu, except that he is a businessman, who has campaigned for the party whenever asked. An Outlook report suggested that Tamilarasu was present when the CBI raised Kalanidhi Maran's home at the time of the 2G spectrum scam
The sister of MK Alagiri and MK Stalin, Selvi is married to Murasoli Selvam, brother of Murasoli Maran (Dayanidhi Maran’s father).
Kanimozhi is the daughter of the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi and his third wife Rajathi Ammal. On 3 July 2012, the ED claimed that it has enough evidence to convict her in the 2G Spectrum case. However,on 21st December 2017 a special CBI court acquitted her along with 19 others accused including A Raza in 2G spectrum allocation cases.The Court said that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove any of its charge. Thus all accused are acquitted.
Murasoli Maran was the son of Karunanidhi's sister. A Member of Parliament for 36 years, he was made a Union Minister in three separate central governments, in charge of Urban Development in the VP Singh government, Industry in the Gowda and Gujral governments, and finally Commerce and Industry under Vajpayee. He has two sons Dayanidhi Maran and Kalanidhi Maran
Dayanidhi Murasoli Maran was elected twice as a Member of Parliament to Lok Sabha from Chennai Central constituency during the 2004 general elections and 2009 general elections.
Kalanidhi Maran is the older of the Maran brothers, and the owner of the Sun Network. Here he is seen with brother Dayanidhi