Dravidian icon Karunanidhi laid to rest beside his mentor Annadurai
CHENNAI : Dravidian icon and DMK chief M Karunanidhi made his final journey from Rajaji Hall to Marina Beach to take his final resting place alongside Jayalalithaa, DMK founder CN Annadurai and MGR. Draped in a tricolour, the five-time chief minister was taken for his burial in an open procession.
A sea of supporters lined up along the route to catch a final glimpse of the departed leader and chanted slogans for their Thalaivar. Sobbing family members, including the late leader’s sons M K Stalin and Tamizharasu, followed them. The commotion outside Rajaji Hall had led to the death of a 60-year-old woman and an elderly man as the crowds became restless in line to pay their last respects to the DMK patriarch in the afternoon. 
The Kalaignar’s heir and DMK Working President MK Stalin appealed for calm and security personnel tried to keep order as the bereaved family geared up for the funeral procession to Marina beach. DMK leader A Raja was among the first to reach Marina to oversee the preparation to bury Karunanidhi next to his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai.
A number of dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi ,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 his mentor and DMK ideologue C.N. Annadurai on the Marina.
The Army, the Navy and the Air Force personnel give gun salute. Family members weep, while supporters roar “Kalaignar Vazhga”
The sons and daughter Kanimozhi stand next to the mortal remains of Karunanidhi. The family members look at Karunanidhi for one last time. Alagiri breaks down, while Kanimozhi caresses her father.
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.
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.(With Agency Inputs ).
