Alagiri's show of strength turns out to be a tame affair

Although Alagiri claimed that 1.5 lakh people participated in the rally, police sources confirmed that the actual number was just a fraction of that figure.

Having expressed his interest in re-joining the DMK, Alagiri had called for the ‘silent rally’ to the burial site of his father and former party president M Karunanidhi.

The Madurai-based Alagiri, who stood atop an open van, started his rally from Triplicane near the Anna statue and proceeded towards Marina Beach via the Wallajah Road. He was accompanied by his daughter Kayalvizhi and Mannan, the former Deputy Mayor of Madurai.

His supporters, most of them from Madurai and its surrounding districts, gradually joined the procession, while a few were already at the memorial. Many of them wore shirts bearing the images of Alagiri and his son Durai Dayanidhi, who was also seen in the rally.

Throughout the rally, Alagiri was seen waving at his supporters and once he reached the memorial, he along with his son and daughter paid homage to Karunanidhi.

Addressing media persons, Alagiri said that his intention was to pay tribute to his late father. “There is no other hidden agenda behind the silent rally,” he said.

When asked whether those who had participated in the rally faced expulsion from the DMK, Alagiri gave a counter reply, “Will the party remove all the 1.5 lakh people who

took part?” He then thanked all his supporters who had participated in the rally and the policemen for their elaborate security arrangements.

Meanwhile, sources close to Alagiri said that three supporters from each district have been selected and discussions would be held with them regarding the future course of action. “Thalaivar (Alagiri) is waiting for the outcome of the meeting involving district secretaries, MLAs and MPs convened by the DMK on September 8, as well as the ‘Mupperum Vizha’ to be celebrated by the party on September 15,” said one of his supporters.