With cymbals and mridangam, the 2,000-strong Tiruvannamalai contingent sang bhajans in praise of former CM M K... Read More

CHENNAI: The Marina is not just a tourist attraction or a backdrop for memorials of political leaders. The scenic beach is now a prop for high political drama as well. After O Panneerselvam’s rebellious meditative pose at J Jayalalithaa’s grave on the Marina in February 2017 and a few d ays later V K Sasikala’s dramatic gesture in slamming hard on the former chief minister’s burial spot thrice, it was the turn of a DMK leader to create drama at M Karunanidhi ’s burial spot.

On Tuesday afternoon, DMK’s Tiruvannamalai strongman E V Velu caused quite a flutter when he led a procession of partymen from his district to Karunanidhi’s grave. But what caused some consternation and embarrassment to the DMK that takes pride in its devotion to Periyar’s rationalist ideology was Velu bringing along with him a group of singers, who sing spiritual bhajans in temples.

With accompanying musical instruments like the cymbals and mridangam, the 2,000-strong Tiruvannamalai contingent walked in a procession to Marina and spent an hour singing bhajans in praise of Karunanidhi’s achievements during his lifetime.

“We were surprised by the spectacle,” said a senior leader, seeking anonymity. A senior leader said a quick meeting was convened by DMK working president M K Stalin to discuss the show put up by Velu. A few took kindly to Velu’s Marina exercise. Sources said Velu, a former minister and once close confidant of Stalin, put up the “sycophantic” show on the Marina shores to grab the DMK leadership’s attention and perhaps that of some of the more devout members of the party’s first family. He is among a few senior leaders eying the post of party treasurer, election for which will be held on August 28 when the party general council is scheduled to meet.

