MK Alagiri, DMK chief M Karunanidhi's elder son.
The meeting with his supporters in Madurai was meant to conclude with an announcement on MK Alagiri's plan to launch a new party.
But in the end, the suspended DMK leader appeared to soften his stand, saying that the priority is to save his father and party from cheats and traitors, which many say is a tacit reference to his younger brother MK Stalin.
Addressing a well-attended consultative meeting, Mr Alagiri said, "Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi) is important. Bad elements surround him. We have to save him and the party from their grip, traitors and cheats".
Many of his loyalists including a few former union ministers and sitting MPs were denied tickets. He himself was excluded.
Describing the DMK candidates as unknown people chosen because of their wealth, Mr Alagiri warned, "We can win if candidates are changed as the party president had said; otherwise it will be difficult. These candidates have been nominated without the knowledge of the leader. They have asked them how much they would give and how much they would spend, nothing else".
Analysts are calling this Mr Alagiri's attempt at compromise. The change of tactics comes a few days after he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and BJP chief Rajnath Singh.
Mr Stalin, the chosen successor of DMK chief Karunanidhi, has over the years made strong inroads in southern Tamilnadu, which once used to be Mr Alagiri's bastion.
He has placed his loyalists in key positions and a lot of party members have also switched camps for better prospects.
A new party, analysts say, could backfire and that's why this olive branch of sorts by the southern strongman.
Mr G C Shekhar, associate editor of the Telegraph told NDTV, "Mr Alagiri is looking for an honourable re-entry into the party and party leaders say anything of that kind could happen only after polls".
Insiders say, Mr Alagiri could be pushing for seats for his loyalists. But with Mr Stalin in control will the party budge?
In the 2001 assembly polls, Mr Alagiri had fielded rebel candidates, scuttling the victory of around 30 favoured by the party.