After battling prolonged illness, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday at 94-year-old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of 'deep-rooted mass leader whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and marginalised'.
"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," PM Modi posted on Twitter.
The PM said that he had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi on several occasions and his understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out.
He was firmly committed to democratic ideals and his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered, Modi said.
"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," he tweeted.
Chennai's Kauvery Hospital on Tuesday announced that ailing Karunanidhi passed away. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on July 28.
"With deep anguish, we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 06 10 PM. Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond. We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide," Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, Chennai said in a statement while announcing his death.
The DMK chief was first admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 18 for a change of Tracheostomy Tube. However, he was discharged the same day after the procedure.
In the following weeks, Karunanidhi developed fever after his UTI infection aggravated due to which he was undergoing hospital-like treatment at his Gopalapuram residence. However, after the DMK chief's health worsened on July 28 mid-night he was rushed to Kauvery Hospital around 1:30 am.
Karunanidhi is survived by three wives and six children.
Security has been stepped at major installations including at the Kauvery Hospital and the Gopalapuram residence of the nonagenarian leader. Dramatic scenes occured in , the security has been increased and the main entrance has been completely barricaded.
A large number of people carried DMK's red-and-black flags and photographs of Karunanidhi, a five-time chief minister of the state whose public life has spanned over seven decades.
A general alert has been sounded across the state and security tightened at vital installations, officials said.
(With agency inputs)
