CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Tuesday said his son and heir apparent M K Stalin can only become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu if "something happens to me". Karunanidhi is DMK's official chief ministerial candidate, but that has not stopped a section within the party from pressuring him to nominate Stalin instead.
There has also been a whisper campaign that Karunanidhi, 93, would pass on the baton to his son if the party is voted to power.
On Tuesday, the five-time CM sought to scotch the speculation. "Stalin can become the chief minister if something happens to me," he told NDTV. Karunanidhi is contesting the state elections for a record 13th time, and a second consecutive time from his home constituency of Tiruvarur.
Asked about the demand that he should make way for a younger person, Karunanidhi replied that Stalin did not want to become CM; in fact, he added, "Stalin is the first among those who want me to become CM for the sixth time". "Stalin can become CM only if nature does something to me," he added.