M. Karunanidhi always wanted his son M. K. Stalin to be his successor as the leader of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party. Alagiri didn't hold any post in DMK party. But he had the command in Madurai region. Alagiri was the important person who made DMK win in 2008 by-elections. After these victories, he was appointed as the organizing secretary of DMK in southern Tamil Nadu districts. Following this Alagiri was given the ticket for Madurai Lok Sabha Constituency in 2009 general election. He won it and became a Cabinet Minister.