Condolences poured from every corner of the country for DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, with President Ram Nath Kovind calling him peerless and saying that the “country is poorer today”.
“Extremely sad to learn of the passing of Thiru M. Karunanidhi. A doyen of our public life, as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India, he has few peers.. Our country is poorer today. My condolences to his family and millions of well-wishers,” said a tweet from the President’s official Twitter handle.
PM visit likely
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Chennai to pay his respects. “I have had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi ji on several occasions. His understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
Calling him a colossus of Tamil politics, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said: “Loved by the Tamilian people, Kalaignar strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over 6 decades. In his passing, India has lost a great son. My condolences to his family as also to the millions of Indians who grieve for their beloved leader tonight.”
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the country had lost a versatile genius who was an outstanding artist, an eminent writer and a true leader who always stood for the cause of the poor and downtrodden. He was an exceptional public servant and a very able administrator. I respected him deeply, Dr. Singh said.
Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the nation and the Tamil people had lost a colossus.“Kalaignar had the unique honour of being an acknowledged multi-faceted leader in multiple fields such as politics, literature, journalism, drama, cinema, art, philosophy and government administration, Mr. Chidambaram said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left for Chennai hours before the DMK leader’s death was announced. She tweeted, “Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy. “His 75 years of political journey as five-time Chief Minister, 13-time MLA, 50 years as party president is an inspiration to everyone,” he said.
Rich legacy: Yechury
The Left parties who are in alliance with DMK in the State, also expressed grief.
“Kalaignar Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy of seven-decade-long contribution to Indian & TN politics. He rose to be a political & intellectual leader championing social justice & upliftment of the poor & marginalised. In a personal association of over two decades, I have learnt immensely from his understanding of rationalism, humanism and Indian diversity. He leaves behind a big void. A huge loss. Heartfelt condolences,” CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.
An emotional CPI leader D. Raja said Tamil Nadu’s history can never be discussed without mentioning him. “He used to say that he would have been a Communist had he not met Periyar. He has had an impact on every Tamil individual, including me. He was a fighter for social justice for Tamil culture and Tamil Nadu’s rights,” he said.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved family and party cadres, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said he was “deeply saddened”.
U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted: “Karunanidhi will be remembered for years of public service to the State.”
