Click to play videoNew Delhi: Kanimozhi, DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's daughter, shunned politics for years but is now is set to take the plunge.
The 39-year old poet has been nominated by the DMK to the Rajya Sabha. Kanimozhi is the most educated of Karunanidhi's children from three wives. She's holds a Masters in Business Economics from a leading women's college in Chennai. She lives with her mother and Karunanidhi's third wife, Rajathi Ammal.
Karunanidhi so far let his daughter pursue poetry, reserving political ambitions for his sons. When MGR and Karunanidhi were part of the undivided DMK, Karunanidhi promoted M K Muthu, the son from his first wife Padmavati.
After Padmavati's death, Karunanidhi married Dayalu Ammal from whom he had four children: sons Azhagiri, Stalin, M K Tamilarasan and daughter Selvi.
Later, Rajathi Ammal entered the DMK chief's life as a partner. Karunanidhi once referred to Rajathi Ammal as "my daughter Kanimozhi's mother" on the floor of the Assembly.
In an exclusive chat with CNN-IBN, Kanimozhi spoke about her journey from poetry to politics.
CNN-IBN: From poetry to politics how do you see your role changing?
Kanimozhi: I don’t think there is a big change from poetry to politics. I have been talking about things I believe in so I see politics as a continuation of that. I will continue to fight for things I have always spoken about.
CNN-IBN: Have you decided to join politics after the Dinakaran survey which led to the feud in the DMK and Dayanidhi Maran being forced to resign. Is that the reason why you have decided to step into politics?
Kanimozhi: No, my joining politics has nothing to do that. It also depends on what you call politics. Working on social issues also deals with politics. I have not represented DMK but I have been active in different kinds of politics.
CNN-IBN: Do you still remain close to your cousins, the Marans?
Kanimozhi: I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to them for a few days so I cannot say that I am still close to them.
CNN-IBN: When the Khushboo episode happened, DMK ally PMK attacked the actress but you spoke up for her. How do you explain this? Won't it be a tough balancing act as a politician? And don't you think being a politician will curb your speech?
Kanimozhi: I think politics is basically about freedom of speech. After all we are working in a democratic society so I will continue to fight for freedom of speech within the framework.
CNN-IBN: Are you going to be the DMK's new face in Delhi?
Kanimozhi: I don’t have to become the face of DMK because there are enough leaders there. I will be one of the faces of DMK there.
CNN-IBN: What does your name mean?
Kanimozhi: Kani means a ripe fruit and mozhi means language. So it sort of translates into sweet language.
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