Retirement plan: Karuna hints at keeping options open

Days after springing a surprise by hinting at quitting active politics by the middle of next year, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi today indicated that he is keeping open the options of retiring as well as handing over the mantle to his son MK Stalin.

"We will consider both the views," the 85-year-old DMK patriarch told reporters here when asked about remarks made by some party leaders that he should not quit politics and if he does so, deputy chief minister Stalin should succeed him.

Asked to elaborate on his Saturday remarks that he would leave ministerial post and political activities "to be one among the people", he said, "Wait till the (International Tamil Classical) conference ends. We have six-month time."
    
Karunanidhi had earlier hinted at retiring from active politics after some of his remaining important ambitions, including the conduct of the Tamil conference, were fulfilled.

His comments on retirement last week at a function here were seen as paving the way for handing over the mantle to Stalin, regarded as his political heir particularly after his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister with key portfolios.

Stalin, however, had yesterday said he hoped his father would reconsider his thinking to quit active politics.