Former union minister M K Alagiri was suspended from the DMK by his father M Karunanidhi. (File photo)
Former union minister M K Alagiri, suspended from the DMK by his father M Karunanidhi, today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in what was described essentially as a 'thanksgiving visit,'peppered with a little bit of political talk.
But Mr Alagiri, who was earlier this week denied a DMK ticket from Madurai, scotched speculation of entering the electoral fray with the Congress' backing.
Snubbed by his party, the Madurai MP has indicated that he may float a party of his own after the general election.
"I worked as a minister under Dr Singh for 4 years and I wanted to thank him. I met him this morning. He felt sad about the DMK walking out of the UPA after having supported the government for 9 years. He also inquired about my father's health. When politicians meet, yes, politics will be discussed, but this is purely a courtesy call...nothing much. PM also asked me whether I am contesting elections,'' Mr Alagiri, 63, told NDTV after meeting the Prime Minister.
Mr Karunanidhi's estranged son predicted doom for the DMK in next month's Lok Sabha polls. "It will be relegated to the third position in all constituencies in Tamil Nadu. The candidates who have been offered tickets are not winnable and DMK has lost a lot of its cadre-base. As I said already money has played a big role in selection of candidates in the DMK,'' Mr Alagiri alleged.
The former union minister felt that alliance put in place by the BJP in Tamil Nadu could fare better than expected. "The BJP-led alliance can win around 6 seats. If the PMK joins the alliance, it may win around 9 to 10 seats. This alliance is a big one in the state,'' Mr Alagiri argued. Tamil Nadu sends 39 members to the Lok Sabha.
He submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding that the Madurai airport be renamed Muthuramalinga Thevar airport.