DMK Chief and Patriarch M Karunanidhi Passes away, Court Sanctions Marina for Burial

DMK Chief and Patriarch M Karunanidhi who was at the forefront of Tamil Nadu politics since eons, has passed away at a hospital in Chennai on Tuesday, evening. Details below.

The 94-year-old politician was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 28 when he contracted urinary tract infection and later developed a high fever. On July 29 his vital signs weakened causing major concern, however within a few hours he was stabilized. On Monday though, his health again began to deteriorate and maintaining his vital organ parameters was a challenge for the hospital authorities. Hospital authorities said “age related overall decline, altered liver function, and haematological parameters". M Karunanidhi passed away at 6:10 pm on 7 August. The hospital said in a statement "Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond.”

Thousands of people gathered around the hospital when the leader was being taken away from the hospital. The body of the leader was first taken to his home in Gopalapuram in Chennai and later shifted to his other residence in CIT colony. Post this; he was taken to Rajaji Hall for people to pay their last respects. The DMK chief’s son Stalin is said to have broken down on this sad occasion. However, he was later seen appealing to the huge crowds to remain calm while waiting for the funeral procession to begin. There are reports of stampede at Rajaji Hall, following a Lathi charge.

This morning the court finally sanctioned Marina beach for the leader’s burial space. The funeral procession will begin at 4 pm in the evening today. The charismatic leader will be laid to rest next to his mentor C N Annaduria amidst high security.

VIPs line up to pay homage

Loyal followers of Karunanidhi and Indian leaders are taking to social media platforms like Twitter to pay their tribute to ‘Kalaignar'. Tweeting his condolence, Prime Minister Modi expressed that he was saddened by the passing away of the stalwart. He described the leader as a “deep-rooted, accomplished writer and a stalwart who devoted his life to the welfare of the poor.” He added “his understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered.”

VIPs such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, superstars- Kamal Hasan and Rajnikanth are among the prominent personalities who arrived in Chennai to pay their last respects to the leader. The oldest leader and the five-time chief minister is survived by his wives Dayalau and Rajathi, four sons and two daughters- MK Muthu, MK Alagiri, MK Stalin, MK Thamizharasu, Selvi, and Kanimozhi. The oldest leader’s death comes just two years after the passing away of arch-rival Jayalalitha. It’s said that the passing away of these leaders has evidently left a void in Tamil Politics that may be difficult to fill.