DMK cancels Karunanidhi centenary celebrations

The DMK on Saturday announced the cancellation of the birth centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on account of the Odisha train accident, in which over 280 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured.

In a statement, party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the accident had shaken the nation, and it would not be appropriate to celebrate the centenary of ‘Kalaignar’ (Karunanidhi) who had dedicated his life to the uplift of the poor and the safeguarding of human rights. The party cancelled all events, including a public meeting in North Chennai, scheduled on Saturday evening, in which leaders of the DMK-led alliance were to participate. A fresh date for the meeting will be announced later, Mr. Stalin said.