The violence comes just two days before celebrations being organized to mark 50 years of Karunanidhi in the state Assembly, with an array of leaders, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, expected to participate.

Karunanidhi was said to have been so disturbed by the violence that he wanted to call off the function. But his allies insisted that the celebrations should take place as scheduled.

Condemning the violence and announcing relief of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the three men killed in the attack, Karunanidhi said: “I also promise appropriate legal action against those involved, whoever they be. I join my friends from the media in condemning this attack.”

Pointing out that he had expressed disapproval of an opinion poll in Dinakaran which rated Dayanidhi Maran as the ‘best’ Union Minister from Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi regretted that another survey by the newspaper on his possible successor had led to the loss of three lives. The DMK, he said, was a democratic party and did not elect its leaders based on heredity.

DRAVIDIAN DYNASTY

Contenders for Muthuvel Karunanidhi's political legacy

M K Stalin, 55

Who: Karunanidhi's second son. Groomed to take over from father. Ex-Chennai mayor, now Minister. Strongest contender for leadership.

Clout: Top party posts and key Cabinet portfolios packed with Stalin's men. After father, has majority support of party cadres.

M K Azhagiri, 57

Who: Karunanidhi's eldest son. Has never held a party post.

... contd.