Wikipedia defines - An Achilles’ heel is a deadly weakness in spite of overall strength, that can actually or potentially lead to downfall.
Even for a casual observer of TN politics it is easy to figure out what is wrong in the ruling DMK party. From almost an invincible position just a couple of months ago - with consecutive wins in by-elections, unbelievable money power, powerful media backing - suddenly DMK seems to vulnerable. The success of Jaya's massive meeting in Kovai may not be the only factor. The brazen and open domination of the octogenarian leaders immediate family is an ongoing joke in TN. Maran's, Alagiri's, Stalin's, Kanimozhi's .....and all and sundry of the DMK family member hog the limelight these days. All these are bound to have "some" impact in the silent public.
The business interests of the Karunanidhi's clan are awesome and unbelievable. It will be naive to believe that everything happened through clean hands. Some of the "activities" of the family are :
- SUN TV group including Dinakaran and Kumkumam - Maran Family
- Kalignar TV - Kalaignar Family
- Cloud Nine Movies - Azhagiri's son
- Red Giant Movies - Stalins son
- Sumangali Cable Vision - Maran Family
- Royal Cable Vision/Jak communications - Azhagiri Family
- Spice jet - Maran has around 40% stake
In addition to this assorted interests in furniture retail, two wheeler dealerships, real estate and et all.
The most unbelievable thing is - DMK - a cadre based party and a party with strong second-third rung leaders is at the mercy of one family. The only saving grace is - M.K.Stalin the once much maligned power centre in DMK now looks like an angel compared to the strong arm tactics of his brother Alagiri. All in spite of the party having powerful district secretaries who almost rule their district as a feudal kingdom.
If DMK has to lose the assembly elections 2011 they know who to blame.....
