Published 11:25 IST, September 14th 2019
MK Stalin reveals what Russians made of his name during his 1989 trip
MK Stalin while speaking to a newspaper told that he got into trouble when told his name in Russia back in 1989 as he's named after dictator Joseph Stalin
The name Stalin may not raise eyebrows in India, but for Russia, it is the name one of it's most barbaric dictators. Who else but Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and late Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin can tell how it feels to introduce oneself as Stalin in Russia. Speaking to a newspaper, Stalin told that he got into trouble when he said his name is Stalin in Russia. Recalling his Russia visit of 1989, Stalin said that when he uttered his name at the Russian airport, people started looking at him and he was asked several questions. "As soon as I landed at a Russian airport, I was asked to mention my name. When I said 'Stalin' many people at the airport started looking at me. While checking my passport, officials asked me several questions before I was allowed," he said of the 1989 trip. "Many people in Russia didn't like Joseph Stalin."
Why Karunanidhi named his son after a dictator?
As per reports, Karunanidhi wanted to name his son after Periyar, who is known to start the Dravida movement. Periyar E. V. Ramasamy can be called the first politician of Tamil Nadu who founded the Justice Party and was father of the self-respect movement. Though a part of Congress before independence, he soon resigned and fought for the rights of Dravidians. He changed the name of Justice Party to Dravida Khazgham which is the parent party of both AIADMK and DMK. Karunanidhi first wanted to name his son after his ideal Periyar but it is reported that when he got the news of his son's birth he was speaking about the Russian leader Stalin. He instantly decided to name his son Stalin.
Who is Joseph Stalin?
Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union in the mid-1920s. Earlier he played a part in the Russian Revolution but, Stalin after gaining power promoted himself as a military dictator. He killed and massacred anyone who opposed him. The theory of "Stalinism" was propagated throughout Russia causing a reign of terror. He is also known for defeating Hitler. He died on 5 March 1953. Stalin's death was mourned by a section for he transformed Russia from a feudal economy to industrial power. However, those incarcerated and tortured rejoiced as it was an end of an era. Stalin’s successor Khrushchev denounced the dead dictator and began a wave of "destalinization."
Recent political development
Attacking the government for the fatal incident in Tamil Nadu's Chennai where a girl died after she was mowed down by a water tanker when an AIADMK banner fell on her, DMK president MK Stalin said: "Subashree has died due to negligence of the government, inefficient police officers. The illegal banners have taken yet another life. My deepest condolences to her family. How many more lives will be lost to the power-hungry and anarchist rule?" The DMK chief also informed the DMK cadre that he wouldn't participate in meetings if hoardings or banners are erected. He said that only a few banners permitted during public meetings with due permission and added that tough action will be taken against those who will violate. Meanwhile the Deputy Chief Minister and AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam evaded the question related to the death of the girl when confronted by media on Friday.
Updated 12:20 IST, September 14th 2019