Karunanidhi passes away: Nation mourns death of tallest Tamil Nadu leader, tributes pour in for Kalaignar

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi passed away at 94 on Tuesday. Kauvery Hospital, where the DMK patriarch was admitted since July 28, announced his death just before 7 PM. 

Karunanidhi was admitted to Chennai’s Kauvery Hospital on July 28 following a dip in his blood pressure. His health condition continued to fluctuate. On July 31, doctors had advised a longer stay “due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters”.

On July 31, the hospital said the leader would require an extended period of hospitalisation due to a "decline" in his general health, although his vital parameters had normalised. In a health bulletin yesterday, Kauvery hospital said Karunanidhi’s medical condition had declined. In another medical bulletin today, Kauvery Hospital said that the DMK patriarch’s health had become ‘extremely critical.’

The veteran politician is survived by two sons - MK Alagiri, MK Stalin - and daughter Kanimozhi.

Karunanidhi, born Dakshinamurthy, changed his name to Karunanidhi as it is a pure Tamil name without any Brahminical tinge. Beginning his political career as a 14-year-old activist in the anti-Hindi agitation of the late 1930s, he quickly became the voice of the surging Dravidian movement led by 'Periyar' EV Ramasami, CN Annadurai 'Anna', and others.

He started his career as a screenwriter in the Tamil film industry. Through the movie ‘Parasakthi’ his political ideas were propagated. He started working as a Scriptwriter for Jupiter Pictures. In 1957, he was elected to the Tamil Nadu assembly from Kulithalai assembly. 

Here are the tributes pouring in from across the country after the passing away of M Karunanidhi: 

7:42 pm: Country has lost a great leader. Our condolences to the entire DMK family. Congress party has lost an important friend. A loss that will be difficult to recoup: Randeep Surjewala, Congress 

7:40 PM: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami issues statement. "It is saddening to know about the demise of M Karunanidhi. The DMK chief was someone who had contributed to the fields of politics, cinema and literature."

7:38 PM: Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Karunanidhi. "Loved by the Tamilian people, Kalaignar strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over 6 decades. In his passing, India has lost a great son. My condolences to his family as also to the millions of Indians who grieve for their beloved leader tonight," Congress president tweets.  

7:26 PM: Rajinikanth pays tribute to Karunanidhi. "My beloved Kalaignar passed away. This is a black day in my life. May his soul rest in peace." 

7:25 PM: Congress party issues statement on Karunanidhi's death. "Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of one of India's most dynamic leaders, M. Karunanidhi. He was a true representative of our democracy and worked tirelessly for the people of Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the nation shall never be forgotten." 

7:22 PM: My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets

My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7ZZQi9VEkm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018

7:21 PM: I have had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi Ji on several occasions. 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: PM Modi 

7:20 PM: "Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu’s voice was effectively heard," says PM Modi in a tweet. 

7:18 PM: PM Modi condoles death of Karunanidhi. "Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India. We have 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," says PM Modi. 

7:15 PM: Kauvery hospital releases statement on Karunanidhi's death 

#FLASH M Karunanidhi passes away, Kauvery hospital releases statement pic.twitter.com/gUpZgYnPiY

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018