Chennai: Though, the health of DMK president M. Karunanidhi had improved, a decision on his taking part in his 94th birthday celebrations would be taken only if the doctors permitted the move, party working president M.K. Stalin said on Monday.
He was speaking to reporters a few hours after party’s organising secretary R.S. Bharathi informed the media that Karunanidhi would make an appearance in the birthday bash. The DMK had planned to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Karunanidhi’s entry into the Assembly.
Bharathi also said Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI MP D. Raja and many national leaders would take part in the celebrations.
There is optimism among the functionaries that Karunanidhi himself could make a brief appearance on the stage along with top national leaders and Chief Ministers. If Karunanidhi made a public appearance, it will be his first after a gap of about ten months. His appearance will be a big morale booster for the cadre who believe that Karunanidhi could alter the political scenario in the state when his physical and mental prowess are restored to normal state.
The DMK leader was not seen in public soon after the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He issued a statement condoling Jayalalithaa’s death, but he did not extend greetings for English New Year Day or Pongal.
Speaking about the celebrations, Stalin said he had written letters to the national leaders and party MP Kanimozhi had met a few leaders to invite them for the function. Party MP T.K.S. Elangovan would also meet a few leaders and the list of leaders would be finalised in a few days, Stalin said.
The meeting just ahead of the Presidential polls, assumes significance since Sonia Gandhi had initiated the process of putting up a common candidate against the BJP’s Presidential candidate. It is also seen as a precursor to the coming together of anti-saffron parties for the 2019 Parliament elections.
