Coimbatore (TN), June 24
In a major blow to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi during the World Classical Tamil Conference, his elder son and Union Minister Alagiri today skipped the conference, which was expected to boost the DMK's 
morale and set the momentum for the next Assembly elections.

Alagiri's absence is seen as an open expression of anger against Karunanidhi, as the DMK leader had listed this conference as his last achievement in political life. He had even announced that he would retire from active politics after this. Karunanidhi also indicated that younger Stalin would succeed him as he declared, “Stalin will continue the works that I have left unfinished”.

Soon after reports and articles hailing Stalin as the future Chief Minister started appearing in newspapers and magazines, Alagiri openly opposed the retirement plans of Karunanidhi. He said he would not accept anyone other than his father as his leader in an open defiance of party leadership's plans to elevate Stalin.

He also announced that he would contest the elections for the party leader's post in the DMK, showing that he was ready to challenge Stalin. Soon after Alagiri's rebellion, Karunanidhi had said he would announce his future plans at the World Classical Tamil Conference here.

In the inaugural session of the conference yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Stalin shared the dais with President Prathiba Patil, along with Karunanidhi. Alagiri was to be present during the inauguration of the conference exhibition.

However, he did not attend the meet, turning a show of unity and strength into another instance of the growing conflict within the party.