M. K. Alagiri

Who is M. K. Alagiri?

Muthuvel Karunanidhi Azhagiri, commonly known as M. K. Alagiri, is an Indian politician and was a Cabinet Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers from 13 June 2009 - 20 March 2013. He is the second son of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the head of Dravida Munnetra Kazagham, Karunanidhi and his second wife Dayalu Ammal. He has two daughters and a son and he resides in Madurai. Azhagiri graduated from the Presidency College in Chennai with a BA degree. He has visited and has been part of visiting delegation to various countries.

Azhagiri was appointed as the organizing secretary of the Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam party for southern districts following the by-poll victories in the state in 2008. Azhagiri was given the ticket for Madurai Lok Sabha Constituency in 2009 general elections, which he won eventually and later went on to become a cabinet minister.

Azhagiri's name is associated with various controversies including conspiring in the murder of the former DMK Minister, T. Kiruttinan in 20 May 2003, initiating cash-for-vote in Tamil Nadu from Thirumangalam by-elections, Dinakaran Attack case in which the Madurai office of the newspaper Dinakaran was lit and three employees were killed and Dhaya Cyber Tech Park land grab case. He is seen as the party strong man in Southern districts of Madurai. There have been various clashes in the state between his supporters and the ones of his younger brother M.K.Stalin over the question of succession and leadership of the party. He is also accused to inducing his strongmen in the party, who otherwise have criminal cases against them.