Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi passed away in Chennai on Tuesday . Political leaders from across the country and many others have conveyed their condolences
Also read: Karunanidhi's political innings: a timeline
Rahul Gandhi pays homage to DMK chief
Congress president Rahul Gandhi paid homage to late DMK chief M Karunanidhi at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
Mr. Gandhi, accompanied by TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar, among others, briefly interacted with Karunanidhi’s son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin and laid a wreath on the mortal remains of Karunanidhi.
Mr. Gandhi had said the DMK patriarch strode the stage of Tamil Nadu politics like a colossus for six 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,” he had tweeted.
Delhi Assembly adjourns for the day
In a departure from tradition, the Delhi Assembly was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to M. Karunanidhi, reports PTI .
There is no precedent of adjourning the House over the demise of a former Chief Minister of another state.
Before the adjournment of the House proceedings, all members pay homage to Karunanidhi by observing a two-minute silence. Members also pay homage to four Army personnel who were martyred in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
As the House proceedings begins on the third day of the Monsoon Session, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel expresses condolence over the deaths of Karunanidhi and four Army personnel.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Opposition Leader Vijender Gupta says the country will always remember the former DMK chief.
Kanchi Sankara Mutt condoles Karunanidhi’s death
The Sankaracharya of the Sankara Mutt in Kanchipuram has condoled the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi. BJP leader La. Ganesan on Wednesday said he has conveyed the condolence message of the Sankaracharya to Mr. Stalin.
In a statement issue, Mr. Ganesan said he got a message from Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt, saying that Karunanidhi had been helpful to the Mutt several times.
Mr. Ganesan said that he was asked to convey the Mutt’s condolences to Karunanidhi’s family members, in particular to Mr. Stalin.
'Showed keen interest on Sri Lankan Tamils issue', says R. Sampanthan
In a statement, Sri Lanka's leader of the Opposition and Tamil Nadu Alliance veteran R. Sampanthan said "I profusely grieve the demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi."
The statement further said: "I was associated with Mr. Karunanidhi for a long time. When I was in Tamil Nadu and afterwards, he gave me his suggestions.
"He showed keen interest on the issues faced by Sri Lankan Tamils. With his demise, the Sri Lankan Tamils are in deep sorrow."
Cricketer M. Vijay pays his tributes
Indian cricketer Murali Vijay tweets "Massive loss - a great leader who worked all his life for the betterment of people. My deepest condolences to his family."
'A guiding factor for all of us," says Ghulam Nabi Azad
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said:
"He always fought for the downtrodden people and for their equality and self-pride. Being CM and leader of Opposition, party president, he was respected across the country.
"Today he is no more, but his work and ideology will remain always a guiding factor for all of us. Person like me associated with him for the last 40 years, since then I would come from North India to seek guidance from him." A great loss to the country, for the party and great loss who are closely associated with him. May God give peace to his soul and may his soul rest in peace."
Cricketer Ashwin's tweet
''It's sad to hear about the demise of Dr. M. karunanidhi, may his soul RIP and my condolences to his family and friends,'' says cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin in a tweet.
Actor Vikram sends his condolence message
In his condolence message, film actor Vikram said, "I was shocked to hear the sudden demise of Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi who was a five-time Chief Minister".
"As I am currently not in town, I could not pay tribute to him."
'His opposition to Emergency will be remembered', says Deve Gowda
Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda said in a condolence message, “His [DMK chief’s] understanding and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered.”
Karunanidhi was like a father figure to me: Sonia
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi termed the death of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi as a “personal loss”, saying he was like a “father figure” to her and the country has become poorer without his wise statesmanship.
In a letter to Karunanidhi’s son and DMK chief M K Stalin, Ms. Gandhi said ‘Kalaignar’ was a towering figure in the world of politics and public service in both Tamil Nadu and the country.
“For me, Kalaignar’s loss is very personal. He always showed me great kindness and consideration, which I can never forget. He was like a father figure to me,” she wrote.
“We shall not see the like of Kalaignar again, and our nation is poorer without his wise statesmanship, and his dedication to our country and our people,” she also said.
Condolence message from Janasena Party, Hyderabad
In a condolence message, the Janasena Party in Hyderabad said "His demise is a huge loss not only for Tamil Nadu but whole India".
The statement has further stated that "He remains to be a guide for us in politics."
Sri Lankan President, leaders express sorrow
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa and several other political leaders in the country have expressed sorrow at the demise of Karunanidhi by recalling his contributions to cinema and politics.
Mr. Sirisena and Mr. Rajapaksa said in in tweets that they were saddened by the death of the veteran Tamil Nadu leader.
“The death of M Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and senior politician, deeply disturbed me. I express my deepest sympathy for everyone, including his family and supporters who have been saddened by the loss of Anna,” Mr. Sirisena tweeted.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he had spoken with Mr. Stalin over his father’s health.
“His contributions to Tamil literature, cinema and politics are unparalleled. I join the millions of people who are mourning. My deepest condolences to the family and people of Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Rajapaksa tweeted.
C V Wigneswaran, Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated Northern Province, while paying tributes to Karunanidhi, said he led several protests for the Sri Lankan Tamil cause.
“But he could have further pressured Delhi to prevent the massacre in Mullaivaikkal [the scene of the final battle between the government troops and the LTTE],” he said.
During the Rajapaksa presidency, Karunanidhi was not seen in favourable light by Colombo for his pro-LTTE stand. In the 1980s during the LTTE’s formative years, Karunanidhi was accused of supporting them by Sri Lankan leaders.
The main Muslim party leader Rauff Hakeem tweeted, “His contribution as an artiste and a political ideologue would remain unmatched. This brings an epochal phase in Tamil Nadu political history to a close”.
Madras HC order a setback to proxy callers: Surjewala
Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said the Madras High Court judgement to allow the burial of DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi on the Marina beach was a “setback to proxy callers”.
“Huge setback for proxy callers of Delhi Durbar conspiring to deny Anna his rightful burial place. Rahulji strongly supported the idea of a memorial for Karunanidhi at Marina. Why are central/state governments silent?” Mr. Surjewala tweeted.
“Huge victory of justice for DMK. Long live Anna,” he added.
The DMK approached the High Court after the Tamil Nadu government declined their request to allow burial of Karunanidhi on the Marina.
The party won the legal battle on Wednesday.
Puducherry govt moves for Karunanidhi chair
The Puducherry Cabinet has decided to recommend to the Pondicherry Central University to constitute a chair in the name of Karunanidhi.
The territorial administration will bear the cost of the chair to be set in the Tamil Department of the university, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy told reporters after chairing a specially convened Cabinet meeting to pay tributes to the late DMK patriarch.
The upcoming postgraduate centre to be set up at Karaikal would be named after the former five-time Chief Minister.
The Cabinet decided to name the bypass road from Kottucheri to Thirunallar at Karaikal and a road in Puducherry after Karunanidhi. A committee would be constituted to identify a suitable place to construct a bronze statue of the departed leader, the Chief Minister said.
The government decided to extend state mourning to seven days. Soon after Karunanidhi’s death on Tuesday, the government had announced a three-day mourning.
The Cabinet also passed a resolution mourning the death of Karunanidhi. The resolution hailed the contributions of Karunanidhi to the overall development of Tamil Nadu, Tamil language, literature, cinema and social justice.
Flaying the Tamil Nadu government for initially denying permission to bury Karunanidh’s body at Anna Memorial on Beach Road before the Madras High Court intervened, Mr Narayanasamy said it had created an unnecessary controversy. The Tamil Nadu government should have shown a big heart in accepting the DMK request to bury Karunanidhi within the Anna Memorial.
Stalin pens moving poem, asks can he address Karunanidhi as father
“Just once shall I address you as appa [father]?” asked DMK working president M K Stalin in a moving poem in memory of his late father and party chief M Karunanidhi, as he noted that he used to call him as ‘leader’ more often.
“I have addressed you as 'thalaivare thalaivare' [leader] more than 'appa appa' [father]. Therefore, just once, shall I address you as 'appa'?",” Mr. Stalin said in the poem written hours after the death of the DMK stalwart.
Grieving the loss of his father, Mr. Stalin said he used to inform him wherever he goes. “why did you leave without informing this time.”
“Dear leader, who is intertwined with our thoughts and aspirations, where did you go leaving us behind,” Mr. Stalin, the political heir apparent of Karunanidhi, said.
Mr. Stalin asked if Karunanidhi had departed with the contentment that he had done enough for the Tamil community.
Seeking the “energy” of Karunanidhi, Mr. Stalin vowed to fulfil all his unfulfilled dreams.
Shops, business establishments, schools closed at Cuddalore and Villupuram
Normal life came to a grinding halt in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts since early morning on Wednesday as shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained shut and vehicles kept off the roads following the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi.
Even petty shops remained shut in the the two districts, reflecting a bandh-like atmosphere. In fact, the entire Cuddalore and Villupuram district headquarters had been wearing a deserted look ever since Tuesday evening, with commercial establishments winding up operations following the announcement of Karunanidhi’s death.
'Great loss to nation' says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami pays tribute to DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, in Chennai on August 8, 2018.
After paying tributes to Karunanidhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami said "Karunanidhi's death is a great loss to the nation. Express my condolences to his family, party cadre".
Parliament adjourned for the day
Our Delhi Correspondent reports that both houses of Parliament were adjourned as a mark of respect for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.
The adjournment is significant because there is no precedent of adjourning the house is the departed leader was not a member of either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha.
The decision taken in a meeting of Chairman Venkaiah Naidu, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and the floor leaders of all the parties. Ignoring the laid down convention the floor leaders of all the parties insisted that Karunanidhi was one of the tallest leaders of the country and as mark of respect functioning of Parliament must be suspended for the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pay respects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied by Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Tamil Nadu Minister D.Jayakumar. He removed his footwear before proceeding towards the body and placed a wreath. He bowed his hands in reverence to the leader for a few seconds. He took around and consoled Rajathiammal, wife of Karunanidhi, his daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi. He and DMK working president M.K. Stalin exchanged a few words before leaving. The BJP leaders Tamilisai Soundararajan, C.P.Radhakrishnan were present with them.
Fishermen stay away from sea
Fishermen in Nagapattinam district keep away from sea as a mark of respect for the departed soul of late DMK leader M.Karunanidhi.
Cutting across party lines, residents of Ettukudi and surrounding villages take out a silent procession and a group of women break into 'oppari' mourning as they reach the location where his portrait was placed for homage by the public.
Puducherry announces 7-day mourning period
Tamil Nadu's neighbour Puducherry has announced that the Union Territory will mourn for seven days, from August 7 to August 13.
" Puducherry State will mourn for 7 days from 7.08.2018 to 13.08.2018 for the demise of Former Chief Minister of TamilNadu Kalaignar Dr.M.Karunanidhi," the official Chief Minister's twitter handle tweeted.
Legend in his lifetime: Omar Abdullah
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls Mr. Karunanidhi as a "legend in his lifetime".
"A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over," he tweets.
"Pettiness is the hallmark of some of our political relationships & no where is this more obvious than in the denial of the @arivalayam’s chosen place for #Karunanidhi ji’s last rites. The AIADMK Govt should reverse its cussedness. #Marina4Kalaignar" he further adds.
'His contribution took Tamil films to new heights', says Nasser
Actor Nasser, president of Nadigar Sangam said "Mr. Karunanidhi is senior most member of our organization. His contribution to Tamil films and took Tamil films to new heights."
VIPs arrive to pay last tributes to M. Karunanidhi
| VIP name | Arrival time |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman | 10.20 a.m. |
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi | 12.45 p.m. |
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal | 12.35 p.m. |
Kerala Governor Sadhasivam | 1.30 p.m. |
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan | 1.30 p.m. |
Kerala leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala | 1.30 p.m |
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee | |
Ghulam Nabi Azad | 12.40 p.m |
Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy | 12.30 p.m |
Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao | 10.30 a.m. |
Former Karanataka CM Veerappa Moily | 12.40 p.m. |
Former Odisha Finance Minister Shashidhusan Behera | 2.05 p.m. |
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu | 2.20 p.m. |
Indian cricketers give their condolences
"Condolences to the family and supporters of Karunanidhi ji. May everyone maintain peace in Tamil Nadu," tweets Virender Sehwag .
"I convey my deepest condolences to family members and admirers of #Karunanidhi ji on his demise. RIP," adds VVS Laxman .
"Deeply saddened by the demise of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. My condolences to the family! #Karunanidhi," adds Suresh Raina .
Student activist Kanhaiya Kumar:
"The Dravidian Movement has contributed immensely in the fight against injustice, irrationality and inequality. Mr. #Karunanidhi was a worthy heir to that ideological legacy. We salute him for his contribution to our lives and to that of our nation. #RIPKalaingar"
'Confer Bharat Ratna on Karunanidhi' says Thirumavalavan
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Thol. Thirumavalavan said "Mr. Karunanidhi made an imprint in all fields. Hence he should be given Bharat Ratna."
U.S. Ambassador to India, Ken Juster:
On behalf of the United States Mission in India, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi and the people of Tamil Nadu. He will be remembered for his years of public service to his state and the country at large.
"You may have left this earth but your infectious passion and love for Tamizh will stay and reflect with us forever…Deep Respect," writes music composer A.R. Rahman.
'Great administrator', says Oommen Chandy
Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said "Mr. Karunanidhi was the greatest leader and great administrator. He is very considerate to the people of Kerala. My deep heart felt condolences."
'A writer, a fighter, a poet, a politician', says Vairamuthu
"Tamil's revolutionary leader is gone," is how poet and lyricist Vairamuthu and longtime friend of Mr. Karunanidhi describes the late leader's passing.
Lyricist Vairamuthu pays tribute to the late former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, in Chennai.
"You might say he was 94-years-old already, that it's only nature, that it's only old age, but I will reply to that with what Karunanidhi said after the passing of 'Thanthai' Periyar. 'If the Taj Mahal sinks into the ground, will you say it was old?'
"Just like we could not accept Periyar's passing then, we cannot accept the death of the 94-year-old Kalaignar now. His legacy should be taken as insipiration by the youngsters. He was born in a musical family but he was involved in other forms of art. He was born in a village without electricity, but he provided electricity to poor farmers. He had no formal education, but he provided free education. He was a writer, a fighter, a poet, a politician," says Mr. Vairamuthu, breaking down.
"He will be remembered till the Tamil language is alive," he says.
Dravidian ideology will rise again: Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani
Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani, along with party cadres, also pays his respects to Mr. Karunanidhi. The late leader was originally a part of DK and would later go on to join the DMK after it broke away from the party.
Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani pays homage to DMK leader M. Karunanidhi along with party cadres.
Mr. Veeramani talks about Mr. Karunanidhi's politics. "He wanted to stay in governance to see through the idealogy he began his political career with, not because he wanted power," says Mr. Veeramani. "When he was alive, he faced a lot of hurdles. Even after his death, he is still facing hurdles, this time in the matter of his burial," he says, adding that Mr. Karunanidhi was " endrum marayadhavar " (one who never dies).
"I salute him, he who was the guardian of the Dravidian idealogy. From his 'thai katchi', the party he was originally a member of, I request you - his family, his cadres, his followers - I request you to follow through on his idealogy, his politics, his vows. He followed the way of his leaders Periyar and Annadurai and I request you to follow his way, " he says.
"Dravidian ideology will rise again, under the leadership of M.K. Stalin. Under him, the DMK will go on to do what it started out. And Dravidar Kazhagam will stand by DMK when it does," he says.
'An undaunted political fighter', says Chandrasekhar Rao
Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao said Karunanidhi was an undaunted political fighter, and a mass leader who struggled for the socio-economic development of marginalised sections of society in Tamil Nadu.
'Karunanidhi was a living legend', says Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy
Describing the DMK patriarch as ‘a living legend’, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that he strove for the development of Tamil Nadu throughout his life and built a stronghold for the regional party DMK.
“I had met him several times. Every time he made me understand the importance of regional parties. The popular schemes he implemented for the downtrodden are replicated in various States today,” he said, adding that DMK was a prominent coalition partner during the period of the H.D. Deve Gowda-led government at the Centre.
Hyundai announces off day
Car-maker Hyundai says, "Our last shift tonight will not work and tomorrow we will not be working."
Kalaignar shaped modern India: Pranab Mukherjee
Former President Pranab Mukherjee in a letter to Mr. Stalin says "Karunanidhi was a pillar of strength was many coalition governments at the Centre."
"Karunanidhi's contributions to Tamil Nadu and national politics will always be remembered," says Jaitley
Union Minister Arun Jaitley says, "Extremely pained by the sad demise of an exceptional politician & mass leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. He was a great human being. His contributions to Tamil Nadu & national politics will always be remembered. My condolences to his family members & the party."
"I join the millions of people who are mourning", tweets Mahinda Rajapaksa
Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted his condolences. " Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar Karunanidhi. His contributions to Tamil literature, cinema, & politics are unparalled. I join the millions of people who are mourning. My deepest condolences to the family & people of Tamil Nadu. "
Kerala Governor, CM express grief
Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death Karunanidhi.
“Each welfare measure he introduced as CM reflected a strong desire for social justice, urge to uplift the backward classes and downtrodden, and his unflinching faith in secularism and unmatched richness of Tamil heritage,” the Governor said, adding “His is a loss beyond words.”
Mr. Vijayan said Karunanidhi was one of the greats of Indian politics, but his contributions were not limited to politics. He was a man of letters who enriched the Tamil language with poems, novels, screenplays and plays, Mr. Vijayan said. “The legacy of the great leader will live on,” he said, extending his condolences to the bereaved family and people of Tamil Nadu.
State opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala was among those who expressed grief over the death.
"Nation has lost one of the greatest fighter for social justice," says Lalu Prasad Yadav
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav says, "In Kalaignar's unfortunate demise. I have lost a long trusted friend/guardian and the nation has lost one of the greatest fighter for social justice. My deepest condolences to family members and his associates."
"India has lost a great son," says Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi says Karunanidhi was, "Loved by the Tamilian people." He said, "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."
Karunanidhi made a mark not only in TN, but in national politics as well: Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami says he is, "Deeply anguished by the demise of DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi. Apart from politics, Mr. Karunanidhi raised social awareness with his knowledge in Tamil literature and screenplay writing for Tamil movies. He made a mark not only in Tamil Nadu politics but in national politics as well."
BJP president Amit Shah expresses his condolences
"Anguished to learn about the demise of veteran politician, M Karunanidhi ji. He had an impressive life journey, starting as a screen writer in Tamil film industry to being five term Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975," he tweets.
"I express my deepest condolences and pray to the Almighty to give strength to Karunanidhi ji's family and followers in this hour of grief to bear the profound loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti."
Karunanidhi was a true representative of our democracy: Congress
A statement from Congress said Mr. Karunanidhi was "a true representative of our democracy and worked tirelessly for the people of Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the nation shall never be forgotten."
Today is a black day: Rajinikanth
Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth says, "Today, the day of my Kalaignar's death is a black day that I will never forget. May his soul rest in peace"
Tamil politics can never be the same again: Tharoor
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says Karunanidhi was "a giant of Indian politics as CM of Tamil Nadu & a screenplay writer who gave voice to the Dravidian movement through his immortal dialogues."
'Karunanidhi was a doyen of public life,' says President
President Ram Nath Kovind said he was "extremely sad to learn of the passing of Thiru M. Karunanidhi." He said Mr. Karunanidhi was a "doyen of our public life, as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers."
PM Narendra Modi conveys condolences
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India. We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalised. Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu’s voice was effectively heard. 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.
