Despite being at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Wednesday paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
The RSS’ State executive member Sambamurthy, who had already met M.K. Stalin at 9.30 a.m. at Rajaji Hall, also accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he came to pay his respects later.
The Sangh’s media wing also sent two communiques: a condolence message from State president Kumaraswamy and a set of four photographs of Mr. Karunanidhi with RSS leader Eknath Ranade. The occasion was the inauguration of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari on September 2, 1970; the then-President V.V. Giri was also present.
Mr. Sambamurthy said that the Sangh never had a direct relationship with Mr. Karunanidhi, who he described as being “ideologically miles apart”. “However, he was absolutely helpful on 2-3 specific occasions we communicated through intermediaries,” he said.
