MK Alagiri Holds Massive Rally In A Show Of Strength

Chennai: Thousands took part on Wednesday in a rally organised by expelled DMK leader M.K. Alagiri here but the DMK gave no indication that it was ready to take him back into its fold.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage at M.K. Karunanidhi's memorial at the Marina beach, Alagiri said the aim of the rally was to pay homage to his late father and former Chief Minister. Queried about the dismissal of a DMK member by the party for receiving him at the airport on Tuesday, Alagiri wondered whether the party would dismiss "the 1.5 lakh members who participated in the peace rally" on Wednesday. Several thousands of Alagiri supporters and his family members joined the rally.

Alagiri was dismissed from the DMK by Karunanidhi in 2014 for anti-party activities. He was opposed to his younger brother M.K. Stalin becoming the DMK leader. However, after the death of Karunanidhi last month, Alagiri expressed his desire to rejoin the DMK and even said that he would accept Stalin as his leader post admission. But the DMK party has not shown any sign that it will take back Alagiri. On August 27, Alagiri warned in Madurai that if the DMK leadership did not take him back, then its leadership would have to face "consequences". (IANS)

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