DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi Dies At 94 in Chennai
CHENNAI : One of Tamil Nadu’s tallest leaders, DMK patriarch and five-time chief minister M Karunanidhi died this evening at a hospital in Chennai after spending 11 days in intensive care.
The Kauvery Hospital, where the 94-year-old leader was admitted, said in a statement: “Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond”. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on July 28 after developing a urinary tract infection. His health deteriorated over days and the hospital on Monday said his condition was “critical”.
Earlier, party working president M.K. Stalin met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter’s residence in Chennai and requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for Mr. Karunanidhi’s burial. However, the Tamil Nadu government, citing legal hurdles, denied permission. Instead, it has offered two acres of land near Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel Road.
A large number of DMK cadres and supporters had gathered outside the hospital, many of whom have been staying there since Monday evening. His death has led to an outpouring of grief in Tamil Nadu, with supporters coming out on the streets to pay their last respects to the Kalaignar. But there is already a controversy brewing over allocation of the final resting place of the DMK patriarch.
The DMK wanted to bury Karunanidhi at Marina Beach along with several icons of Dravidian movement, but was denied permission by the AIADMK government. The DMK has now sought an urgent hearing with the chief justice of the Madras High Court. The decision to deny the burial space has also led to clashes in several places and the party’s cadre were also lathi-charged outside the Kauvery Hospital.
Condolences and tributes started pouring in soon after the death of Karunanidhi. “India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely,” the post on microblogging site read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Saddened to hear about the death of M Karunanidhi. He has left a rich heritage behind :President Ram Nath Kovind.
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: Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure,: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Today is a black day in my life, one which I can never forget as I lost my Kalaignar. I pray for his soul: Actor, politician Rajinikanth. Deeply saddened at the passing away of Kalaignar M Karunanidhi. 60 years a legislator, five-times CM and a pillar of many coalitions at the Centre, he influenced his State’s and the National politics like few others. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers. He will be missed deeply: Pranab Mukjerhee
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.: BJP National President Amit Shah. Feel very sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.( With Agency Inputs ).
