Stalin waits in the wings to be deputy CM

POSTPONING SUCCESSION: MK seems to feel that the time is not ripe yet to pass the baton to Stalin.

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Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu): It was a massive show of strength at the DMK youth congress that showcased the father and heir apparent – party supremo M Karunanidhi and son Stalin.

Speculation was in overdrive mode, with hints that Karunanidhi's favourite son Stalin would be unveiled as deputy chief minister. But the Kalaignar seemed to feel that the time was not ripe just yet.

“The decision for which you all have been waiting for will come shortly,” Karunandihi said leaving many in doubt.

So far, all possible challengers to Stalin have either been cut down to size, or forced to leave the party. The 1990s saw the exit of Vaiko, while 2007 saw the removal of nephew Murasoli Maran from the Union Cabinet.

The party has also moved away from the Marans' Sun Network, with the launch of Kalaignar TV.

But there's still trouble at the home front and it is from none other than M K Azhagiri, Stalin's elder brother and Madurai strongman, who was conspicuous by his absence at the DMK youth meet.

But that did not deter Karunanidhi from showering Stalin with praise. “We have full confidence in you that you will succeed and be able to achieve much more,” Karunanidhi said.

It seems to be just a matter of time before the rising son takes over the reins, but the family power struggle could make the transition difficult.