August 07, 2018: DMK Chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi passed away at 6.10 pm today in Chennai. The latest press release from the hospital stated that despite the best possible efforts by the medical team to resuscitate him, he failed to respond.
The 94-year-old veteran leader was admitted to the Kauveri hospital on the wee hours on 28th. He had been admitted to the ICU was in medical treatment for the past 11 days.
President, Vice President and Prime Minister have expressed their grief over the sad demise of DMK Chief M Karunanidhi.
President Ram Nath Kovind said in a message that he is extremely sad to learn about M Karunanidhi’s death.
Mr Kovind termed Mr Karunaidhi as a doyen of public life, a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India.
Vice President Venkaiya Naidu described Karunanidhi as one of the leading and longstanding politicians of the country who left a mark of his own during his long public life of about 80 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message said the country has lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalised.
Mr Modi said he stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress and he was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensure that Tamil Nadu’s voice was effectively heard.
The Prime Minister said his thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi in this hour of grief. He said country and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely.
Mr Modi is scheduled to pay his last respects to the departed leader in Chennai tomorrow.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said he had shown the path to regional parties, its a tragic moment for his workers and those who loved him.
BJP President Amit Shah has said, M Karunanidhi had an impressive life journey, starting as a screenwriter in Tamil film industry to being five-term Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In a tweet, Mr Shah said, no one can forget his struggle during the emergency, imposed in 1975.
In his message, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, loved by the Tamilian people, Dr Karunanidhi strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus for over six decades.
CPIM General Secretary Sitaram Yechuri has said, Dr M Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy of seven decades long contributions to evolving Indian and Tamil Nadu politics.
In his condolence message, Mr Yechuri said, Dr Karunanidhi rose to be a political and intellectual leader championing social justice and upliftment of the poor and marginalized. He said, his death is a huge loss. (AIR News)
