DMK’s nonagenarian supremo M Karunanidhi has said that he did not want to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for another term.

The leader asked the partymen not to insist that he should again be the chief minister.

Speaking at a function organized to mark the 63rd birthday celebrations of his son and DMK Treasurer M K Stalin, he said he was more interested in protecting the DMK. He called upon the partymen to focus on strengthening the party. DMK patriarch’s statement assume significance in the wake of the internecine squabbles in the party for the top post.

The DMK is dogged by internal strife among Karunanidhi’s sons Alagiri and Stalin. The party leadership is vertically split in its support of both the heirs.

Senior leaders including former Union Ministers A Raja and T R Baalu were also present.