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Violence breaks out in TN as Karunanidhi sidelines son

They were protesting against the DMK leadership's threatening action against those who stood by Azhagiri, who was charged with violating party discipline. The party leadership had on Tuesday asked its cadre not to have any truck with Azhagiri in party matters.

The decision to 'sideline' the chief minister's son had created tension in some parts of the district.

The police had also asked the transport operators not to ply early morning services on Wednesday as a precaution.

DMK sources said show-cause notices had been served on three of its district secretaries for not attending the 'Mupperum Vizha' (party function), organised at Madras recently.

The supporters of Azhagiri said they were unhappy about 'giving more prominence to M K Stalin', another son of Karunanidhi and mayor of Chennai Municipal Corporation, and nominating Stalin's supporters to the youth wing instead of appointing democratically elected candidates'.

They said the 'contribution' of Azhagiri to the party was in no way less than that of Stalin. While Azhagiri had strengthened the party in an area where the party was weak, 'Stalin is taking shelter under his father's popularity', they said.

Meanwhile, Azhagiri appealed to his supporters not to be upset by the statements issued by the party leadership against him. The leadership had warned of action against those who stood by Azhagiri, who was charged with violating party discipline.

In a statement in Madurai, Azhagiri said those who loved him should not indulge in any action that disturbed the public. He also regretted the arrest of his supporters by the police.

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