DMK patriarch and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi was laid to rest with full state honours and gun salute on Wednesday evening. He was buried next to his mentor, Dravidian ideologue and former chief minister C.N. Annadurai at the Marina.
The nonagenarian leader passed away at 6:10 pm on Tuesday at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. His mortal remains were kept at Rajaji Hall for the public to pay homage. The last journey of 'Kalaignar' Karunanidhi began at 4:00 pm.
A number of dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, among others paid their last respects.
The Madras High Court cleared decks to allow Karunanidhi to be buried next to Annadurai on the Marina.
Full coverage: At 94, the passing of a patriarch
Here are the live updates:
The casket is being lowered into the grave.
The Army, the Navy and the Air Force personnel give gun salute. Family members weep, while supporters roar "Kalaignar Vazhga"
DMK chief M. Karunanidhi was accorded a state funeral with a 21-gun salute.
The sons and daughter Kanimozhi stand next to the mortal remains of Karunanidhi.
Karunanidhi's body is being placed on the casket along with the party flag, his trademark yellow shawl and black glasses.
The family members look at Karunanidhi for one last time. Alagiri breaks down, while Kanimozhi caresses her father.
The casket is being closed. Stalin and Selvi weep.
DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan pays floral tributes.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale pays respects.
Karunanidhi's family pay respects
M.K. Stalin was the first to pay floral tributes. He is followed by M.K. Alagiri. Karunanidhi's wife, Rajathi accompanied by her grandson pays respects.
She is followed by Selvi, Durga Stalin, and Tamizharasu.
Kanimozhi and her husband pay their respects.
Mallika Maran, wife of the late Murasoli Maran, pays respects. She is followed by the Maran brothers.
The rest of the family members pay tributes one by one.
Kanimozhi's son is the last person to pay tributes.
Party supporters chant "Kalaignar Vazhga!"
Former Prime Minister H. Deve Gowda places a wreath and turns emotional.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit pays his last tributes and salutes. The tri-services band plays in the background., followed by a moment of silence.
The tri-colour is being handed over to M.K. Stalin.
The tri-colour was handed over to M.K. Stalin, Mr. Karunanidhi's son.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien places wreath near the mortal remains of Karunanidhi. He is followed by Veerappa Moily and Rahul Gandhi.
Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and V. Narayanaswamy pay their respects.
State Minister D. Jayakumar pays tributes. He is followed by Pon. Radhakrishan.
The national flag is being removed from Karunanidhi's body and is being folded by armed forces personnel. It will be handed over to the family members.
The personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force pay their last respects.
Video grab of the burial site.
The family, friends and the armed forces are at the burial venue.
Karunanidhi's mortal remains are being lowered from the gun carriage.
Karunanidhi's children at his funeral in Chennai on Wednesday.
Stalin also reaches Anna Square. Kanimozhi brings all the siblings to the front row. Now, all siblings are seated together — Stalin, Selvi, Alagiri, Tamizharasu and Kanimozhi. Dayanidhi Maran sits next to Kanimozhi.
The gun carriage carrying Karunanidhi proceeds towards the burial venue.
The mortal remains of Karunanidhi have reached the Anna Square in a gun carriage.
Karunanidhi's family members including daughter Selvi, sons-in-law Murasoli Selvam, Aravindan, daughter-in-law Durga Stalin and grandchildren are all seated.
Alagiri is seen seated next to Karunanidhi's wife Rajathi Ammal and Kanimozhi's son Adithyan.
Prominent leaders including Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanaswamy, Vaiko and Thol. Thirumavalavan are also seated on the other side.
DMK patriarch Karunanidhi's daughter and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi arrives at Anna Memorial.
Former Prime Minister H. Deve Gowda and Congress leader Veerappa Moily are also present at the memorial. Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan too has reached.
An aerial view of the MGR and Anna Memorials on the Marina in Chennai on Wednesday.
The gun carriage has reached the Kamarajar Salai, just a few feet away from the Anna Memorial. The mortal remains of the former chief minister now passes by Madras University.
It is this University that conferred honorary doctorate to Karunanidhi in 2006 along with the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and erstwhile Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
The cortège with the mortal remains of Karunanidhi crosses M.A. Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk. Karunanidhi was an avid follower of cricket. He even congratulated the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for setting a world record by hammering a double century in ODIs. Today, Sachin recalled Karunanidhi tweeting a photo of him reading his autobiography
The aerial view of the burial place
The Army, Navy and Air Force personnel at Anna Square.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has arrived at Anna Square.
The cortège with the mortal remains of Karunanidhi passes by Wallajah Road in Chennai on Wednesday.
As the final journey of Karunanidhi moves towards Anna Memorial, prominent leaders have already reached there. Among them is DMK's General Secretary and close friend of Karunanidhi, K. Anbazhagan.
Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan has also reached Anna Square.
Media baron and Karunanidhi's grandnephew Kalanithi Maran is also seen seated beside M.K. Alagiri.
The cortège with the mortal remains of DMK president and five-time Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi, passes by the statue of DMK founder and also the former’s political mentor C.N. Annadurai on Anna Salai to enter Wallajah Road.
The Anna statue in Anna Salai and Wallajah Road junction was donated by former chief minister M.G. Ramachandran, a friend-turned-political rival of Karunanidhi.
People stand along both the sides of the road near Government Multispeciality hospital.
It was supposed to be the erstwhile chief minister and DMK leader M. Karunanidhi’s dream building. Built with the expertise of a German architectural firm and incorporating elements of the Dravidian style, what was designed as Assembly complex is now Government Multispeciality hospital.
It came up where the heritage Admiralty House and CB-CID office (home to the Governor during the British rule) once stood, on the Omandurar Government Estate.
A giant flex banner praising Karunanidhi is being taken to Anna Memorial.
Karunanidhi's son and former Union minister M.K. Alagiri has reached Anna Memorial.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien is also in Anna Square.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu Minister D. Jayakumar are in the Anna Square to take part in Karunanidhi's funeral.
Karunanidhi's sons M.K. Stalin, M.K. Tamilarasu, grandnephew Dayanidhi Maran, and CPI Tamil Nadu State Secretary Mutharasan walk alongwith the gun carriage that is carrying the mortal remains of Karunanidhi.
The golden casket in which the mortal remains of Karunanidhi would be laid to rest will have the engraving in Tamil, “ Oivu edukamal uzhaithavan, idho oivu eduthu kondu irukiran , meaning "one who worked without taking rest, is resting in peace here."
The hearse turns towards Anna Salai and approaches Periyar Statues. Supporters, including women, wait to pay floral tributes to Karunanidhi. People even occupy the nearby MRTS tracks to catch a glimpse of their leader one last time.
People stand along the MRTS railway tracks to catch a glimpse of Karunanidhi's last journey.
The gun carriage carrying Karunanidhi's mortal remains moves into Sivananda Salai. Sea of humanity surrounds the carriage. Supporters wave party flags and chant slogans praising their leader.
Work in progress for the burial of former DMK chief M. Karunanidhi near Anna Square in Chennai on August 8, 2018.
Work gets underway in Anna Memorial as procession begins from Rajaji Hall.
The coffin is placed on the hearse and follows the gun carriage. It is being taken out of the Rajaji Hall. Military personnel accompany the gun carriage, while the family members follow in cars.
Karunanidhi's last journey begins. His mortal remains are being brought down the staircase by military personnel.
Stalin, Kanimozhi and other family members too descend the stair case.
They are followed by the DMK leaders such as T.R. Baalu.
Karunanidhi has been wrapped with the tricolour. The DMK flag is placed beside his head.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former Union Minister Praful Patel and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah pay respects to Karunanidhi.
General public are now barred from paying respects to the departed leader and preparations for the state funeral begin.
Military personnel make the hearse that will carry Karunanidhi's coffin ready.
Military personnel arrive at Anna Square as Karunanidhi will be accorded state funeral with gun salute. Party cadre and supporters continue to arrive at Anna Memorial.
Senior party leaders such as Durai Murugan and K.N. Nehru were seen shunting between Anna Square and Rajaji Hall.
The hearse to carry Karunanidhi's coffin arrives at Rajaji Hall.
SC refuses to entertain oral submission against Karunanidhi's burial on the Marina
A junior of a Tamil Nadu lawyer, N. Rajaraman, claiming to represent Traffic Ramaswamy, made an oral submission before a Supreme Court Bench led by J. Ranjan Gogoi that the proposed memorial comes within CRZ limit and burial should be stopped.
Justice Gogoi said the Bench cannot entertain the oral mention. Mr. Rajaraman, who said he is speaking over the phone from Coimbatore, said he has not filed any petition in the apex court yet and will file one on Thursday and mention before the CJI.
Mr. Rajaraman, on phone, said it is a "lie" that Mr. Ramaswamy withdrew an identical petition in Madras HC challenging the CRZ clearance for Kalaignar Karunanidhi's memorial.
All oral mentions, as per CJI order, should be made before the CJI. The CJI is sitting in a five-judge Constitution Bench.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao pays respects. He is accompanied by his daughter and parliamentarian Kavita.
Samajwadi chief Akhilesh Yadav meets the press after paying tributes to Karunanidhi. "He (Karunanidhi) lived for people and if a leader could shine despite ups and downs in the political career it's him," he says.
"I hope the family members gather strength to deal with the loss. The country has lost a great leader and Tamil Nadu has lost a son who understood its people and their problems," he adds.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi pays tributes. He is accompanied by All India Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik and TNCC president S. Thirunavukkarasar.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janta Party leaders Tejaswi Yadv and Manoj Kumar Jha arrive at Rajaji Hall. They are being taken near Karunanidhi by Stalin amid commotion.
Rapid Action Force has been deployed to contain the crowd.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and State Governor Justice (Retd.) Sadhasivam also pay tributes. Kerala Oppositon leader Ramesh Chennithala joins them in the same vehicle to Rajaji Hall.
Congress leaders Gulam Nabi Azad, Veerappa Moily, and K.V. Thankabalu pays respects to Karunanidhi.
Two dead
Two people who went to see the mortal remains of Karunanidhi reportedly succumbed to injuries in the melee that ensued after heavy crowd congregated at Rajaji Hall.
One of the deceased has been identified as Shenbagam (60) of MGR Nagar. Seven others who were injured were being treated at Rajiv Gandhi Government General hospital.
As many as 41 persons have been admitted at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital with minor injuries.
The police have taken over the stands completely at the Rajaji Hall now. The mortal remains of Karunanidhi is brought back to the stands. People are not allowed to come near the steps.
Stalin appeals to DMK cadres to maintain order
"I touch your feet and plead not to create any disturbances and co-operate. Don't come near the staircase at Rajaji Hall where Karunanidhi's body will be kept in state, Mr. Stalin appeals to the DMK supporters.
Mr. Stalin says government planned to create a volatile situation by refusing land at the Marina. "But battle has been won in the courts," he adds.
"Karunanidhi was someone who fought for reservation. Today, we approached the High Court to obtain permission for burying his remains on the Marina," says Mr. Stalin.
Activist Traffic KR Ramaswamy may approach the Supreme Court against Madras HC order dismissing his PIL petition to shift all memorials from Marina to Gandhi Mandapam Road. On Wednesday morning, the Madras High Court had dismissed petitions filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, PMK’s K. Balu and DK’s Doraisamy last year challenging construction of memorials on the Marina in Chennai.
However Mr. Ramaswamy’s proposed appeal in SC will not affect Madras HC order permitting burial of Karunanidhi’s remains on the Marina because he has no objection to it. Mr. Ramaswamy is only against dismissal of his general case against any memorial on the Marina.
Kalaignar's last journey will begin at 4 pm, says DMK
The statement released by the DMK says Karunanidhi's last journey will begin from Rajaji Hall at 4 pm. It will pass through Sivananda Salai, Anna Salai, Walajah Road, and Kamarajar Salai to reach Anna Sqaure on the Marina.
With the number of people moving towards Rajaji Hall is increasing, police forcefully remove some of the supporters from moving further inside. Thousands of people get into the premises of the Hall. Karunanidhi's mortal remains are being taken inside a room at the Hall.
Police resort to mild baton charge to disperse the crowd.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives in Chennai to pay his last respects to the DMK patriarch.
Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy pays respects to Karunanidhi.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also pays respects.
Meanwhile, MRTS trains to and fro Chintadripet station (the closest to Rajaji Hall), have been brimming with people who are trying to get to the Hall. While suburban trains were unusually deserted today, the MRTS stations and trains were buzzing with activity.
Advocate General Vijay Narayan tells The Hindu that they have "accepted the judgment" and will not appeal against the Madras High Court order.
Sources in Tamil Nadu Secretariat also confirm that the government will not contest Madras High Court's verdict. This puts speculations of appeal to rest.
Commotion at Rajaji Hall
Crowd gets unmanageable at the Rajaji Memorial where the mortal remains Karunanidhi have been kept. People try to break the barricade and move towards the staircase to catch a closer glimpse of their leader.
Despite repeated pleas from police and DMK leaders, people try to climb the walls of the nearby Government Multi Speciality Hospital to reach the Hall. Some DMK supporters even climb over the ambulance parked nearby.
DMK supporters standing atop a 108 Ambulance vehicle stationed in front of Rajaji Hall in Chennai
Former Chennai Mayor Ma. Subramanium urges the cadre to maintain peace and disburse now.
As the crowd swells, a youth faints and another man gets seriously injured in the commotion. Police form human chain to disallow people to enter the barricaded area.
DMK leader Durai Murugan visits Anna Memorial after the Madras High Court allowed M. Karunanidhi's burial near his political mentor, on Wednesday
After receiving the court's nod, the focus has now shifted to Anna Memorial on the Marina. DMK senior leader Durai Murugan inspected the site, while party cadre throng the venue.
DMK leaders K.N. Nehru, Chakrapani, I Periasamy, and Sekar Babu are also in the memorial.
In the meantime, sources say the Tamil Nadu government is considering to move Supreme Court against the verdict.
Earth movers arrive at the Anna Memorial.
In the meantime, the Madras High Court has released an operational order.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoles M.K. Stalin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajaji Hall. He pays homage to Karunanidhi's mortal remains.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also accompanies the Prime Minister.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, State Minister D.Jayakumar.and State BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan are also present.
Mr. Modi removes his footwear before proceeding towards the body and places a wreath. He bows his hands in reverence to the leader for a few seconds.
He then consoles Rajathi Ammal, wife of Karunanidhi, and daughter M.Kanimozhi. He shares few words with DMK working president M.K. Stalin, Kanimozhi and A. Raja before leaving.
Fishermen in Nagapattinam district keep away from sea as a mark of respect for the departed soul of late DMK leader M.Karunanidhi, reports R.Krishnamoorthy.
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.
Parliament pays tributes to Karunanidhi
The National Flag flies in half-mast at the Parliament premises in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Both Houses of the Parliament was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to Karunanidhi. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu read the obituary reference.
In a rare gesture, both Houses were adjourned for the day even though Karunanidhi was never a member of the Parliament.
Decks cleared for Karunanidhi to be buried on the Marina
DMK working president and M. Karunanidhi's son M.K. Stalin breaks down after Madras High Court allows his father's burial on the Marina.
As Madras High Court grants permission to bury Karunanidhi next to his mentor on the Marina, emotions run high at Rajaji Hall. DMK cadre and supporters raise slogans. Mr. Stalin and Ms. Kanimozi break down. Party leaders Dayanidhi Maran and A. Raja also weep.
Mr. Stalin and Ms. Kanimozhi are seen consoling each other.
DMK Organising Secretary Durai Murugan makes the official announcement on behalf of his party. He terms the judicial verdict as "victory".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Chennai airport. He will be shortly reaching Rajaji Hall.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Chennai airport.
PMK founder Ramadoss and his son and Lok Sabha member Anbumani Ramadoss pay their respects to the mortal remains of M. Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
PMK leaders Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss pay their last respects. Mr. Anbumani's wife Sowmya, PMK leaders G.K. Mani and A.K. Moorty also paid their respects.
Actors Vishal, Nandha and Suhasini Maniratnam too paid tributes to the veteran leader.
Traffic diversions in Chennai
The roads leading to Rajaji Salai, namely Deputy Mayor Kabalamurthy Road, Swami Sivananda Salai, Walajah Road, and Pallavan Salai have been closed to traffic. The DMK supporters were seen ferrying people from Chennai Central railway station to Rajaji Hall.
The Chennai suburban trains and Metro continue to ply, but MTC buses have reduced their services.
The arterial roads of Chennai wore a deserted look with most shops closed.
Supporters throng Anna Salai, waiting for their turn to be able to pay respects to the late DMK chief M. Karunanidhi.
VIPs arrive to pay last tributes to M. Karunanidhi
The National Flag flies at half mast at Salem Collectorate on Wednesday.
| 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. |
Bureaucrats, political leaders pay respects
Senior IAS officer Vikram Kapur, PWD secretary PWD S.K. Prabakar and others pay their respects to the late DMK chief M. Karunanidhi.
Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's niece J. Deepa, former MLA Chellamuthu, former vice Chancellor Mannar Jawahar and Farmers Association president P.R. Pandian too paid their respects.
Actors T. Rajender, Vivek and S.Ve. Shekher too arrive. Mr. Rajender says his demise is great loss to him and the cadres of DMK. "He is my mentor and I am his disciple," he says.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalan pays his respects. Addressing the media, Mr. Thirumavalavan requests the Central Government to award the Bharat Ratna to Mr. Karunanidhi. "He made his mark in so many fields. He should be awarded the Bharat Ratna," he says.
Puthya Thamizhagam leader Dr. Krishnasamy and his supporters place a wreath.
Actor Nasser, president of Nadigar Sangam said Mr.Karunanidhi was the senior most member of the organization. "His contribution to Tamil films and took Tamil films to new heights," he says.
'A writer, a fighter, a poet, a politician'
"Tamil's revolutionary leader is gone," is how poet and lyricist Vairamuthu and longtime friend of Mr. Karunanidhi describes the late leader's passing.
"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.
Meanwhile, at the Madras High Court, the hearing of the case against the denial of burial land by the Tamil Nadu government at the Marina Beach is set to begin, reports our correspondent Mohamed Imranullah S .
TN Government Counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan, AAGs P.H. Arvindh Pandian and S.R. Rajagopal are at Court 1 of the Madras High Court, along with N.R. Elango and a battery of DMK lawyers.
The TN Govt has served its counter affidavit in the case.
The TN Govt, on Tuesday night, cited protocol as a reason for burying Jayalalithaa’s body in the Marina but DMK Counsel had said that protocol is not law.
More members of the Tamil film fraternity arrive
Actors Sivakumar and Surya pay homage to Mr. Karunanidhi. Giving anecdotes of his relationship with the late former Chief Minister, Mr. Sivakumar said that Karunanidhi reigned in the fields of art, litertature and politics.
Actors Ajith and Shalini too arrive to pay their respects, along with actors Prabhu, his brother producer Ramkumar and actor Kushboo. Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, daughter of late actor Gemini Ganesan, pays her respects.
Meanwhile, the crowd behind the barricades takes up the chant of 'Marina vendum'.
Actors Kushboo, Suriya and Ajith pay their respects to late DMK chief M. Karunanidhi
Actor Prabhu recalls Mr. Karunanidhi's association with his father, the late actor Sivaji Ganesan. "He was the 'mappilai thozhan' at my father's wedding. Other families were very close," he says, adding, "I'd like to think that he is now with appa."
It may be recalled that Mr. Sivaji's debut was Parasakthi , a blistering political commentary of a film that Mr. Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay and dialogues for. The film went on to win many accolades and catapulted Mr. Sivaji's career.
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.
CM Edappadi K. Palaniswamy arrives
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamy arrives at Rajaji Hall to pay his respect to the five-time former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He is accompanied by deputy Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, AIADMK MLA D. Jayakumar, ministers S.P.Velumani, P Thangamani, Dindigul Srinivasan, R.Kamaraj and other AIADMK members.
CM Palaniswamy expresses his condolences to Mr. Karunanidhi's family. "Karunanidhi has been DMK's leader for 50 years. He was Tamil Nadu's seniormost leader. His death is a huge loss for Tamil Nadu. I express my heartfelt condolences to DMK leader M.K. Stalin and his family and the party cadres for this loss," he says.
Rajinikanth pays his respects
Actor Rajinikanth arrives to pay his respects to Mr. Karunanidhi, along with wife Latha, his daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush.
Actor Rajinikanth pays homage to late DMK chief M. Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall.
Political cadres are slowly streaming in, paying their respects to Karunanidhi one by one. Senior IAS officer K. Gnanadesikan pays his respects
Veteran actor Radha Ravi arrives at Rajaji Hall to pay his respects. Mr. Radha Ravi's father, M.R. Radha, worked closely with Mr. Karunanidhi during the latters days in cinema. He breaks down while addessing the media, recalling how it was his father who gave the title 'Kalaignar' to Mr. Karunanidhi. "Karunanidhi lead the way for DMK. We should unite and realise his dreams," says Mr. Radha Ravi. "I give my heartfelt condolences to his family."
Karunanidhi's body wrapped in tricolour
Armed forces personnel wrap Karunanidhi’s body in tricolour as a mark of respect as it lies in state at Rajaji Hall.
DMK chief Karunanidhi’s body wrapped in the tricolour lies in state at Rajaji Hall for public homage on August 8, 2018.
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is the first to pay homage to the late DMK leader.
"I don’t want to comment on giving space to Kalaignar at Marina. This is not the time for politics. Karunanidhi is a tall leader. It would not be appropriate to comment on it, since, the MHC has seized of the matter at 8 am. I hope things will be fine," says Mr. Dhinakaran.
Karunanidhi’s mortal remains arrive at Rajaji Hall
After a 5-km-long journey that took about 30 minutes, Karunanidhi's mortal remains have now arrived at Rajaji Hall in Anna Salai.
In a horrific lapse, his body moves down inside the casket abruptly, as it is mounted on an elevated dais. Definitely not a respectable way to treat such a tall leader's mortal remains.
Supporters gather at Rajaji Hall to catch a last glimpse of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai on August 8, 2018.
In the vicinity of Rajaji Hall, DMK cadre raise slogans demanding space on the Marina beach for burial of his mortal remains.
With a copy of his brain child “Murasoli” carrying the news of his demise, M. Karunanidhi’s mortal remains are being moved to a dais at Rajaji Hall in Chennai early on August 8, 2018.
A copy of his beloved Murasoli is kept beside Karunanidhi's body. His “first child” enters its 76th year on August 10.
Also read: Murasoli, exhibiting the power of ideas | The mouthpiece as mirror of the soul
Mortal remains moved to Rajaji Hall
The ambulance carrying the mortal remains of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi makes its way towards Rajaji Hall in Chennai early on August 8, 2018.
Karunanidhi's mortal remains leave CIT Colony to Rajaji Hall, accompanied by supporters and his son Mr. Stalin. Anxious cadre shout slogans seeking a burial place for their leader at the Marina, as they await a court verdict on a plea moved by the DMK pressing the demand.
Supporters wait for Karunanidhi at Rajai Hall
Mr. Stalin is back at the CIT Colony residence of his father. The Rajaji Hall in Anna Salai is getting ready for Karunanidhi’s lying in state. The former Chief Minister's body will be moved from CIT Colony to Rajaji Hall anytime soon. Supporters have already started to gather at the Hall, but the queue at his CIT Colony home appears endless.
Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram pays his tributes at CIT Colony.
The final day: a roller coaster of emotions for many
The State picked up its shroud and went into mourning as its five-time Chief Minister passed away after a 11-day stint at the hospital. The mood outside Kauvery Hospital reflected the sentiment of the people of the State, as it shifted from hope, to exhorting their leader to rise again and, when the reality sunk in, extreme grief.
How Gopalapuram turned into a political hub
As we wait for Karunanidhi’s lying in state at the Rajaji Hall and the Madras High Court verdict that will decide his final resting place, let's read about his Gopalapuram house, a nerve centre of political activities since the DMK captured power in 1967. The house had been visited by almost every national leader belonging to an array of political parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who called on him in 2017 .
Supporters throng CIT Colony
Supporters throng DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s CIT Colony residence early on August 8, 2018 to pay their last respects to him.
It’s 4 am People continue to pay homage at Karunanidhi’s CIT Colony residence. His daughter and DMK MP Kanimozhi and her mother Rajathi are by his side. Lying in state was originally scheduled from 4 am at Rajaji Hall.
M. Karunanidhi, 94: the end of an era
The Hindu’s editorial says: Karunanidhi will be remembered for being an astute politician, one with a quick wit and ready repartee; an able administrator with an uncanny eye for detail and a keen sense of the occasion; and as an elder statesman who could take the long-term view of events and issues. He straddled different generations and contrasting worlds with a reflexive ease. With his passing, less than two years after his rival Jayalalithaa succumbed to illness, Tamil Nadu is staring at a huge political void, one that that will be very hard to fill.
End of an epoch
Former administrator, diplomat and Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi writes in The Hindu ’s opinion pages today: Karunanidhi will be remembered for his passion for Tamil and uncompromising secularism
Kamal demands Marina burial place for Karunanidhi
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has strongly backed the DMK demand to allot a place at the Marina to bury DMK chief Karunanidhi. Both MGR and Karunanidhi should be allowed to rest near their elder brother Annadurai, the Makkal Needhi Maiam founder said. “Had MGR been alive, he would have let Anna's brother to near Anna himself,” he said.
Commotion outside Karunanidhi’s CIT Colony residence
Karunanidhi's body arrives at his CIT Colony residence. A large number of people await outside the house, and goes uncontrollable as leaders including Mr. Stalin arrive. Police use mild force to control the crowd.
DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s body is kept at his CIT Colony residence in Chennai early on August 8, 2018.
Marina burial place hearing
Petitioner ‘Traffic’ Ramaswamy’s counsel tells Madras HC that he had no objection to burying Karunanidhi at the Marina. The court asks the govt to make sure that there is no law and order problem in the State until court decides on the DMK plea. Senior counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan tells the court that it was unfair on the part of the DMK to file a case during night hours, expects the government to respond immediately. DMK counsel argues that law has not changed between Jayalalithaa’s death and Karunanidhi’s and therefore his body should also be buried at the Marina. Govt counsel cites protocol as a reason for burying Jayalalithaa at the Marina. Protocol is not law, counters DMK counsel.
Karunanidhi's body moved to his CIT Colony residence
After being kept at his Gopalapuram residence for about 3 hours, Karunanidhi's body is now being moved to his CIT Colony residence.
Ambulance carrying DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s mortal remains leaves his Gopalapuram residence to his CIT Colony residence, in Chennai early on August 8, 2018.
Burial place row: Hearing adjourned till 8 a.m.
The DMK plea seeking allotment of a burial place for Karunanidhi at the Marina has been adjourned to 8 a.m. on August 8. The government is strictly opposing the allotment. The government has been given time till 8 a.m. to file a reply.
The hearing will be held Justice Ramesh's residence itself as it’s a holiday for the High Court in view of the DMK chief's death. The verdict is expected at about 8.30 a.m.
Karunanidhi's last political interview was to The Hindu
Karunanidhi’s last political interview was published in The Hindu on May 28, 2016, a few days after the results of the Assembly election were declared. Since then, he had given only one interview — to a Tamil magazine — which dealt with his personal likes and dislikes. Subsequently, ill health had kept him confined to his home. Read the interview here .
‘For one last time, can I call you “dad”, my leader?’
DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s body is taken to his Gopalapuram residence from the Kauvery hospital late on August 7, 2018.
“I called you leader more than I called you dad. For one last time, my leader, shall I call you dad,” DMK working president M.K Stalin pens an emotional letter to his father and leader.
DMK lawyers quarrel with police for permitting advocate Ganesan to enter Acting CJ’s residence . Mr. Ganesan, representing activist Traffic Ramasamy, reportedly wants to oppose the plea for space in Marina for Karunanidhi.
Advocate S. Doraisamy, who has moved the court against the burial of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, next to AIADMK patriarch M.G. Ramachandran’s burial place on the Marina beach, says he has decided to withdraw all his four pleas in this regard. He reasons that his petitions are being wrongly cited to deny Karunanidhi a burial place at the Marina. He adds that PMK's K. Balu too would withdraw a similar case, thereby removing legal hurdles.
While the proposed Jayalalithaa memorial allegedly violates Coastal Regulatory Zone norms, the place sought for Karunanidhi's burial doesn’t, Mr. Doraisamy says adding that the place sought by the DMK is located on the banks of the Cooum, which has been declared as crematoria.
Also read: Part of Marina declared as burial ground
Actor Rajinikanth pays his respects to the DMK chief at Gopalapuram. Earlier the actor-turned-politician tweeted: "The Tamil Nadu government must take all steps to provide space for burying Karunanidhi next to Anna Memorial at the Marina. This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him. This is my humble request."
DMK Senior Counsel P. Wilson has left Madras HC campus after filing the party’s case. Will take at least 15 minutes to reach Acting CJ’s residence at Greenways Road. Justice S.S. Sundar, the second judge, enters into Madras HC Acting CJ’s residence.
Mamata pays homage
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among the first to pay tribute at Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with M. Karunanidhi’s children and DMK leaders M.K. Stalin and Kanimozhi after paying tributes to their father at the patriarch’s Gopalapuram residence in Chennai on August 7, 2018. Photo: Special Arrangement
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, CPI State Secretary Mutharasan and TVK leader Velmurugan are among those who paid their respects.
DMK plea hearing
Additional Advocates General P.H. Arvindh Pandian and S.R. Rajagopal arrive at the Madras High Court Acting CJ’s residence. DMK lawyers argue with police to allow them Justice Ramesh's residence.
DMK lawyers at the the gate of Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh’s residence in Chennai on August 7, 2018.
Karunanidhi’s body in Gopalapuram
M. Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal, son M.K. Stalin and other family members near the DMK patriarch’s body kept at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai late on August 7, 2018.
M. Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal, son M.K. Stalin and other family members near the DMK patriarch’s body kept at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai late on August 7, 2018.
Karunanidhi's body arrives at his Gopalpuram residence amid an outpouring of emotion.
DMK cadre get emotional, banging barricades and shouting slogans in praise of Karunanidhi. At one point crowd goes out of control, making it nearly impossible to remove the DMK patriarch’s body to be removed from the ambulance.
Police had to use mild force to control the crowd. Party General Secretary had to wait for several minutes before he could get out of his car amid the heavy slogan-shouting crowd of supporters.
Burial place at Marina: T.N. govt denies honour to Karunanidhi despite litigant withdrawing case
Hours before the State government on August 7 expressed its inability to allot space next to the Anna memorial at the Marina beach in Chennai for burying the body of DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, advocate V. Gandhimathi, 48, had withdrawn a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by her last week to prevent Greater Chennai Corporation from granting permission for disposal of dead bodies on the coastal area.
Modi, Rahul to arrive tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving at 10.30 a.m. in Chennai tomorrow to pay homage to Karunanidhi. Leaders including former Kerala CM Oomen Chandy, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Telangana CM K. Chandrasekar Rao are likely to pay homage to Karunanidhi.
Rahul Gandhi, Rajinikanth request TN govt to provide burial space near Anna Memorial
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Twitter said, "Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief. "
Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Twitter said, "The Tamil Nadu government must take all steps to provide space for burying Karunanidhi next to Anna Memorial at the Marina. This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him. This is my humble request"
Centre announces one-day mourning, state funeral
The Centre has announced that the National Flag will fly half-mast on August 8, 2018 in New Delhi and capitals of all States and Union Territories, and throughout the Tamil Nadu. The Centre has also decided to accord a state funeral, while observe a one-day state mourning throughout the country on August 8 and there will be no official entertainment on the day.
Madras HC acting CJ to hear DMK plea
Our correspondent Mohamed Imranullah S reports:
Madras High Court acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh agrees to hear by 10.30 p.m. a case against denial of place at the Marina to bury Karunanidhi’s body. The hearing will take place if the papers are in order and the Advocate-General is informed about the hearing. .
Justice Ramesh wanted to hear the case at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. But the DMK lawyers insisted on an immediate hearing, and so he asked them to file the case papers with the Registrar (Judicial) and assemble at his residence at 10.30 p.m.
Karunanidhi's body taken to his Gopalapuram residence
Karunanidhi's body is being taken to his Gopalapuram residence now. His body is wrapped in the DMK's black and red flag.
DMK sends another request for burial space next to Anna Memorial
Mr. Stalin has issued another public statement to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu seeking space next to Anna Memorial on the Marina for Mr. Karunanidhi's burial.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaiko who was at Kauvery Hospital said, "When Kalaignar has left crores of people in tears, this heartless government is denying space to bury him next to Anna. I pray to you, please don't do this sinful act."
A tense situation prevails outside Kauvery Hospital. Police order lathi charge.
DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has issued the following statement:
"Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be taken to his Gopalapuram residence. Family members and relatives can pay their respects between 8.30 p.m and 1 a.m..
"Following this, Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be kept at his CIT Colony residence between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
"At 4 a.m., his remains will be taken to Rajaji Hall where party cadre, general public and political leaders can pay their respects."
Seven-day mourning
The Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday on August 8, 2018, and announced a seven-day mourning period for the former chief minister.
The DMK patriarch's last journey will be on Wednesday and the National Flag will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Mr. Karunanidhi's mortal remains will be kept at Rajaji Hall for the public to pay their last respects, a statement released by State Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan read.
Tamil Nadu government refuses permission to bury Karunanidhi at the Marina
The Tamil Nadu government has refused permission to bury DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi at the Marina citing "legal hurdles and several cases pending in courts." Instead, the government is ready to allot two acres of land near the Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel road.
Earlier, DMK Organising Secretary M. Durai Murgan told the media that they met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and requested the government to allow the burial of the former chief minister beside the memorial of his mentor C.N. Annadurai.
Stalin's appeal to DMK cadre
Mr. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin asks cadres to maintain peace, adhere to discipline. He also asks cadre at Kauvery Hospital to disperse peacefully.
Mr. Stalin says, "there will be people who will want to cause a bad name to the party using this sad situation. You should identify such anti-social elements, prevent any untoward incidents and hand them over to the police."
He also requests cadre to ensure that they don't bring disrepute Kalaignar's legacy, and ensure that the public are not put to any hardship.
Cadre attempts self immolation
A 50-year-old DMK member attempted self immolation in Karur after hearing the news of death of DMK leader Karunanidhi.
N. Saravanan poured kerosene over his body and tried to set himself on fire when the police thwarted his attempt. He was taken to Karur Town police station.
M. Karunanidhi is sworn in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second term at the Madras University Auditorium in Madras on March 15, 1971 after the DMK won a record 184 seats in the Assembly elections. Mr. Karunanidhi’s government was dismissed by the Centre on January 31, 1976 over his opposition to Emergency rule.
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, whose electoral journey began in Kulithalai in 1957, has won all the 13 elections he has contested.
Only in 1984 did he stay away from the Assembly elections and subsequently went to the Legislative Council.
"I hear a lullaby. Let me sleep. Don't wake me up.'' These were Mr. Karunanidhi's words when he visited his hometown Thirukuvalai near Tiruvarur on May 2006.
Mr. Karunanidhi was born on June 3, 1924, at Thirukuvalai, now in Nagapattinam district (then in the composite Tanjore district) and did his schooling in nearby Tiruvarur. His father Muthuvel was a scholar and his mother Anjugam a housewife.
Puducherry Government has declared holiday on Wednesday and has announced three-day mourning.
Madurai mourns
Shutters of all shops closed near M.G.R. Bus Stand in Mattuthavani, Madurai. A total of 30 private services heading from Madurai to Chennai and Bengaluru have been stopped.
Around 20 SETC services from Madurai's MGR Bus Stand, Mattuthavani to Chennai, Bangalore, Guruvayur, Tirupati and Ernakulam have been stopped. KSRTC buses will not ply too, officials confirmed. "Only buses coming from other districts will leave from the bus stop," said an official.
Shutters down on shops, movie theatres
All movie screenings have been cancelled for tonight and tomorrow. Theatre owners have said the ticket fares will be reimbursed.
Cinema shows in theatres across Tamil Nadu will remain suspended from Tuesday night till the last rites of DMK president M. Karunanidhi are performed on Wednesday, as a mark of respect to the departed leader, says R.M. Annamalai, president, Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors' Association.
As a mark of respect to the departed former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, all trade and business establishments in the State would remain closed till the mortal remains of the leader is laid to rest, according to senior president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, S. Rethinavelu.
Wednesday's TNPL Eliminator match between the Lyca Kovai Kings and iDream Karaikudi Kaalai has been cancelled.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the DMK chief's demise.
In his condolence message, President Kovind lauded Mr. Karunanidhi as "doyen of our public life, as contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers."
"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," Mr. Modi tweeted.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he will be visiting Chennai.
Click here to read more reactions.
Karunanidhi has passed away. The end came at 6:10 pm, Kauvery Hospital announces.
The final medical bulletin from the hospital says:
"With deep anguish we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 06.10 pm. Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond.
We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide."
DMK workers and supporters are thronging outside the Kauvery Hospital. The road leading to the hospital has been barricaded and supporters are now occupying the nearby flyover. Banners praising Mr. Karunanidhi are being erected.
Prayers and cries of "Ezhundu vaa thalaivaa" echoe the area.
Barricades are being placed on the divider on Wallajah Road, starting from the Marina T-point, reports Deepu Edmond Sabastian .
Shops are also being closed.
Abirami Cinemas, a prominent multiplex in Chennai, cancels shows.
K.G. Cinemas in Coimbatore also cancels the shows.
A flurry of activities at at the Gopalapuram residence of the DMK patriarch. Mr. Karunanidhi's long-time Secretary Shanmuganathan arrives. His relatives are trickling in. Former Minister E. V. Velu too is in Gopalapuram.
Mr. Karunanidhi's car being removed from the garage.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reach Chennai.
Television channels show an ambulance being brought into the Kauvery Hospital.
At Gopalapuram
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter M.K. Selvi and daughters-in-law Durga Stalin and Mohana Tamizharasu were seen entering his Gopalapuram residence.
DMK leaders Poongothai Aladi Aruna and Tamizhachi Thangapandian too arrive.
Commando forces have been deployed near his residence, reports Vivek Narayanan.
The MTC bus services have been gradually reduced in Chennai. The suburban train services are being operated as usual.
Tasmac shops have been asked to down shutters by 6 p.m., reports Sangeetha Kandavel. A Tasmac union member said that few shops have already downed shutters while the others would wait until 6 p.m.
Over 5000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. It is expected to be doubled in the coming hours, according to sources.
Security tightened at M. Karunanidhi's residence at Gopalapuram in Chennai on Tuesday.
More police personnel are deployed outside the residence of Mr. Karunanidhi i n Gopalapuram.
The Kauvery Hospital releases a medical bulletin, saying Mr. Karunanidhi is "extremely critical" and "unstable."
The has been significant decline in the clinical condition of Mr. Karunanidhi, the bulletin said adding that despite maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate.
The health bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai which states that Karunanidhi's health condition is extremely critical.
Television channels show footage of police personnel gathering at the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai.
Security around the Kauvery Hospital has also been increased. The main entrance is completely barricaded.
Police personnel deployed near Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
The Tamil Nadu DGP has ordered all police personnel to report to duty. The DGP's office has sent a fax message to all Commissioners of Police, DIGs and District SPs to direct the strength to report immediately in uniform.
Mr. Stalin meets the Chief Minister at the latter's residence.. According to sources in the DMK, Mr. Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.
Mr. Stalin's siblings Kanimozhi and Alagiri, senior party leaders T.R. Baalu, Murasoli Selvam and I. Periasamy were present during the meeting.
Incidentally, a public interest plea in the Madras High Court that sought a direction to prevent any construction of memorials on the Marina was withdrawn on Tuesday.
A private channel's vehicle is attacked by DMK cadres.
A private television channel's vehicle being attacked by DMK cadres outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
Medical bulletins released so far
CHENNAI: 01-8-2018 - A woman DMK cadre reads out the medical report issued by the kauvery hospital , on monday 06-August 2018 , where former Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi admitted in Chennai . Photo: S_S_Raghunathan
The Kauvery Hospital has released five medical bulletins on Mr. Karunanidhi's health so far.
The first one on July 28 said the DMK chief has been admitted to the intensive care unit following a "drop in blood pressure." The same night, another bulletin was released. It said Mr. Karunanidhi "remains stable with ongoing active medical support."
The third bulletin was released on July 29. It informed of a "transient setback of the clinical condition" of Mr. Karunanidhi.
The hospital on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary for Mr. Karunanidhi "due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters."
The fifth bulletin released on August 6 said: "There has been decline in the medical condition of the DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments.
"He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the progress."
"We have seen Kalaignar’s bravery all through his life, this time also he will prove. We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery," tweets actor-turned-politician R. Sarath Kumar. '
“Ezhundhu vaa thalaiva, ezhundhu vaa.." continues to near the hospital. Party workers and Mr. Karunanidhi's supporters are stationed outside the hospital since Monday night.
Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy visits the DMK veteran at the hospital. After a brief visit, he leaves. Tamil Manila Congress president G.K. Vasan too pays a short visit.
MDMK founder Vaiko arrives at the hospital. Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin also arrive.
Separate enclosure for women cadre outside Kauvery Hospital where where former TN CM M. Karunanidhi is admitted, Chennai, August 7, 2018
M. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K Stalin arrives at the hospital. Party cadres gather outside, waving flags. DMK leader A. Raja also arrives.
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and Mr. A. Raja arrive at the hospital early on Tuesday. Over 1200 armed reserve policemen are on standby. Already, 400 men have been deployed around the hospital.
The scene outside M. Karunanidhi's house at Gopalapuram in Chennai early on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Mylapore Deputy Commissioner NK Mayilvahanan is at the hospital. Crowd management measures are being put in place. Luz Church Road has been blocked from Nageshwara Rao park towards the Kauvery Hospital. Vehicles are being allowed towards St. Isabel's hospital.
(With inputs from Tamil Nadu Bureau)
