Chennai:As speculation intensifies over former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai's political future, some of his supporters are drawing parallels with one of the most defining rivalries in Tamil Nadu's history -- between former chief ministers MG Ramachandran (MGR) and M Karunanidhi.

Sources close to Annamalai say that if he eventually exits the BJP and launches his own party, Tamil Nadu could witness a contest between two non-Dravidian formations led by the state's two most-popular contemporary figures, TVK's Vijay and K Annamalai.

"Vijay versus Annamalai could turn into a similar battle between MGR and Karunanidhi, though these young leaders are no match for the late icons," a source close to Annamalai told NDTV.Read: K Annamalai Likely To Quit BJP, Launch Own Party: Sources

The comparison comes against the backdrop of a dramatic turn of events in Tamil Nadu politics.After DMK founder CN Annadurai ended Congress dominance in 1967, Tamil Nadu politics largely evolved into a contest between MGR and Karunanidhi.

Following his split from the DMK and the AIADMK's formation, MGR won three successive assembly elections and remained chief minister until he died in 1987. Karunanidhi returned to power after MGR's death and became chief minister five times.

Source:Ndtv