Clock of dynasty clicks in Tamil Nadu

On Tamil poet Vairamuthu's advice to M Karunanidhi's sons MK Stalin and MK Azhagiri that they should consider themselves two hands of a clock, the DMK patriarch told the DMK youth wing conference in Tirunelveli on Sunday (December 16, 2007): "I don't mind which hand is longer or faster as long as the clock shows the correct time." As of now, Karunanidhi's political clock is working fine, with a third hand -- his daughter Kanimozhi -- completing the dial of dynasty.

By proclaiming that "your expectations will soon come true," Karunanidhi was only confirming that Stalin's coronation will happen sooner than later. And Stalin, in all fairness, deserves it (though there are other deserving candidates). Having obtained his political passport during Emergency, the 54-year-old has steadily worked his way up the ladder, as the DMK youth wing leader, legislator, Chennai mayor and DMK deputy general secretary. His only serious challenge within the party was Vaiko. With Vaiko's expulsion in 1993, decks were cleared for Stalin's unhindered ascent.

The rise of Stalin's elder brother MK Azhagiri has been more questionable owing to its 'extra-constitutional' nature. Presiding over a virtual fiefdom in Madurai and surrounding districts in south Tamil Nadu, Azhagiri has more than a say when it comes to selection of party candidates and ministers. By not giving him an official post in the party, Karunanidhi has sought to evade charges of dynastic rule, but it is no secret that the Madurai son's tentacles reach up to Fort St George, the seat of power in Chennai.

The least expected was the entry of Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi in politics, partly by default and partly be design. After a dramatic turn of events cost Dayanidhi Maran (whom Karunanidhi launched on the eve of the 2004 general elections) his ministerial berth and his grand uncle's goodwill, Kanimozhi was handpicked to be Karunanidhi's eyes and ears in Delhi. A Rajya Sabha member, Kanimozhi may not have to wait too long before she lands a ministerial berth.

Not many have forgotten Karunanidhi's futlie efforts to launch his eldest son MK Muthu into movies and politics as an alternative to MGR . Addressing the valedictory meeting of the DMK youth wing, Karunanidhi spoke about the virtues of a good father. The DMK patriarch is one.