TN loses its Kalaignar
CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi, one of the foremost Dravidian politicians in modern times, died here on Tuesday, after waging a grim battle for life aged 94, the hospital where he was admitted for the last 11 days said.
One of the most charismatic figures of Tamil Nadu politics whose public life spanned over seven decades is survived by two wives and six children, including DMK working president and heir apparent M K Stalin and daughter Kanimozhi, a Rajya Sabha MP.
The most enduring mascot of the Dravidian movement breathed his last at 6.10 p.m.
President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death.
A bulletin from the Kauvery Hospital had said on Monday evening the condition of the DMK patriarch had “declined” and keeping his vital organs functioning was proving a “challenge”, triggering concerns about his health among his followers who began swarming the hospital soon after.
Hundreds of them kept vigil outside the hospital overnight, but when the facility came out with another bulletin at 4.30 p.m on Tuesday, describing his condition as “extremely critical and unstable”, the milling crowd grew wild and dramatic scenes began unfolding.
A hush descended once the hospital issued the bulletin confirming Karunanidhi’s death.
A general alert has been sounded across the state and security tightened at vital installations.
The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced seven-day mourning.
Karunanidhi’s death comes barely 20 months after that of J Jayalalithaa, his longtime political rival and another bright star that faded from Tamil Nadu’s political firmament on December 5, 2016.
The sharp-tongued, quick-witted Karunanidhi was a five-time chief minister, who wielded considerable influence beyond his state, in the corridors of power in New Delhi, for a long time, forging alliances with both the Congress and the BJP.
Hugely influenced by the rationalist and egalitarian ideology of E V Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ and DMK founder and the state’s first chief minister C N Annadurai, Karunanidhi became one of the most enduring mascots of the Dravidian Movement, which aimed at seeking equal rights for the depressed sections and women and was against Brahminism.
Karunanidhi became the chief minister for the first time in 1969 after the demise of Annadurai. He subsequently helmed the state as chief minister in 1971, 1989, 1996 and 2006.
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly 13 times, the last time as a 92-year-old in 2016.
Karunanidhi, who earned sobriquets of ‘Thalaivar’ (The Leader) and ‘Kalaignar’ (The Artist) from his ardent followers, became DMK president in 1969 and held the position till his death.
Meanwhile, controversy erupted on Tuesday night after the Tamil Nadu government rejected the opposition DMK’S demand for allotting space on the Marina beach for the burial of its leader M Karunanidhi and offered space near the memorials of former chief ministers C Rajagopalachari and K Kamraj.
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced a sevenday mourning following the death of former chief minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi.
The Indian national flag would fly half mast during this period and all governmentrelated functions would be cancelled, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan said.
The orders were issued by Chief Minister K Palaniswami following the death of the veteran leader, she said in a statement.
The government has declared a day’s holiday tomorrow for his final rites. His mortal remains would be kept at Rajaji Hall for VIPS and public to pay homage, she said.
State honours will be accorded to Karunanidhi and the tricolour will be draped over him, she said, adding a gun salute will also be given to the late leader.
Palaniswami has directed that a condolence message be published in the state gazette, she said.