Prayers, rituals for atheist Karunanidhi irk rationalists

As DMK president M Karunanidhi, a known atheist, continued to remain in hospital for the third day, his supporters, including some second line party leaders, performed poojas and other rituals for his speedy recovery irking some leaders of rationalist outfits.

On Tuesday, while Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and others visited the Kauvery Hospital to inquire about his health and hundreds of party cadres maintained vigil outside, Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani appealed to Karunanidhi’s followers not to indulge in any “superstitious rituals” for his well-being. “Such acts will give scope for those against rationalism to attack us. True followers of Karunanidhi should not indulge in such acts,” he appealed in a statement.

While Karunanidhi has vocally spoken out against Hindu rituals, including sporting of the ‘tilak’ on foreheads and avoided going to temples, some of his family members have openly visited temples and participated in rituals. Dravidar Viduthalai Iyakkam leader Suba Veerapandian also tweeted saying “Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) takes pride in saying he is a product of the Dravidian Movement. Those performing poojas for him are actually insulting him.”

No medical bulletin on Karunanidhi was issued at the time of filing this report but family members maintained that he was ‘stable’.