M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, visited his estranged brother, M.K. Alagiri, at his residence in Madurai on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This visit marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu politics, potentially signaling a thaw in the long-standing strained relationship between the two brothers. The meeting occurred amidst Stalin's visit to Madurai to attend a DMK general council meeting scheduled for Sunday.
Stalin's itinerary included a 20-kilometer roadshow through Madurai, allowing him to connect directly with the public. Petitions were received, and a statue of former Madurai Mayor S. Muthu was unveiled during the public event. Following the roadshow, Stalin visited Alagiri at his residence in Satya Sai Nagar.
According to Alagiri's supporters, the Chief Minister spent approximately 15 to 20 minutes at the residence. After the meeting, Stalin emerged from the residence and posed for photographs with prominent local figures, including former Deputy Mayor P.M. Mannan and former MLA Ghouse Batcha. Subsequently, Stalin proceeded to Uthangudi, where the DMK's general council meeting is scheduled to take place. He stayed overnight at the Circuit House before attending the meeting and flying back to Chennai on Sunday evening.
The visit has sparked considerable interest and speculation within the DMK and across Tamil Nadu's political spectrum. M.K. Alagiri, a former Union Minister, was once a prominent figure in the DMK, particularly in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu. However, he was expelled from the party in 2014 due to anti-party activities and a power struggle with his brother, M.K. Stalin. Since then, Alagiri has maintained a relatively low profile, and the brothers have remained estranged.
This visit marks their first known personal meeting in nearly 11 years, igniting discussions about a possible reconciliation. Stalin visited Alagiri without being accompanied by any DMK leaders or family members, a gesture that has been interpreted as deeply personal and significant.
In the past, attempts to bridge the gap between the brothers have been made. In January 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Stalin's son and a state minister, visited Alagiri at his Madurai residence, fueling speculation about a potential reconciliation. In July 2023, M.K. Stalin and M.K. Alagiri met at their mother Dayalu Ammal's 90th birthday celebration.
Despite these occasional interactions, a full-fledged reconciliation and Alagiri's return to active politics have remained elusive. The DMK leadership has been wary of upsetting the established power structure and potentially disrupting the party's unity.
The timing of the visit is also noteworthy. With the DMK gearing up for future elections, a reconciliation with Alagiri could potentially consolidate the party's support base in southern Tamil Nadu, where Alagiri still commands considerable influence. However, any move to re-induct Alagiri into the party would likely be met with resistance from within the DMK, particularly from those who have risen in prominence in his absence.
The meeting between M.K. Stalin and M.K. Alagiri has undoubtedly injected fresh intrigue into Tamil Nadu politics. Whether this signifies a genuine thaw in relations and a possible return to the DMK for Alagiri remains to be seen. For now, the political circles in Tamil Nadu are abuzz with speculation, keenly observing the next moves of both leaders.
