Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: MK Alagiri loyalists send out warning to DMK

In a twist to the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, MK Alagiri, the elder son of DMK leader M Karunanidhi, has now reportedly made a demand just before Karunanidhi hit the campaign trail in Madurai.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, on Monday, Alagiri reportedly had a meeting with his loyalists who sent out a message to Karunanidhi asking that Alagiri be taken back into the party. If DMK did not heed, then the votes which the Alagiri faction commands in the 10 constituencies in the district will not be cast, was their warning.

The report adds that Alagiri held a meeting at Harveypatti with his loyalists. Some Alagiri supporters have told the daily that a few of his supporters have filed nominations as independent candidates in Madurai Central, Madurai East, Usilampatti, Melur and Thiruparankundram. These supporters could get about 8000 to 10,000 votes each and if Alagiri was not taken back into the party fold, then these votes would go against the DMK. Sani Bhai, a former councillor of Thirunagar town panchayat, reiterated this to the daily.

M Hakim Raj, the former vice chairman of Thiruparankundram municipality, has told the daily that three seats were given to DMDK but Alagiri who has worked for the party most of his life was not given due importance. 

However, Alagiri has told the daily he will not support any party this time round. He was quoted saying that he thinks his supporters will make their own choice as to whom they want to vote for. As for whether his loyalists would work against the DMK, he did not comment. 

 Madurai-based Alagiri was the face of DMK in southern districts. He was, however, expelled in 2014 for anti-party activities.