Democracy dead in DMK, says Alagiri

Cracking the whip, DMK had yesterday suspended Alagiri from all party posts and primary membership, telling him that his opposition to DMK-DMDK alliance is not going be taken lightly.

Announcing Alagiri's suspension, party general secretary K Anbazhagan charged Alagiri with asking party workers not to work, criticising disciplinary action taken against certain DMK members, "directly involving in improper discussions," and thus "creating confusion."

Asked if Alagiri's suspension would affect DMK and its poll prospects in particular, Karunanidhi had replied in the negative while Stalin denied any rift with his elder brother and described the action as a party affair.

Meanwhile Alagiri loyalists in Madurai today expressed anguish over his suspension, but said he would emerge stronger despite the 'temporary' setback. They also felt he had been unfairly treated.

One of his loyalists Isakkimuthu felt Alagiri had been suspended based on "false' information and opined that this was not good when Lok Sabha polls are round the corner.

Another man M Krishnan said he saw nothing wrong in Alagiri supporting those suspended from the party.

They pointed out Alagiri had played a key role in preventing DMK workers from joining hands with MDMK leader Vaiko, after he was dismissed from the party in 1993.

M M K Basha said DMK leaders themselves had praised Alagiri after victories in bypolls. The entire DMK cadre was with him after the last Lok Sabha polls and it would continue, he said.