Muthuvel Karunanidhi commonly known as Kalaignar by his followers was one of the iconic political leaders from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The self-styled leader of Tamils all over the world, he served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for five separate terms. Under his leadership, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK) emerged as a first party other than the Indian National Congress to win state-level elections with a clear majority on its own in any state in India. He contributed a lot to the development of Tamil Nadu and was a vocal supporter of Dravidian culture.
Born in Thirukkuvalai village in Nagapattinam district, Karunanidhi entered politics when he was just 14 years of age. He participated in Anti- Hindi agitations and founded Tamil Nadu Tamil Manavar Mandram, the first student wing of Dravidian Movement. He also started the newspaper Murasoli to spread the ideals of his movement. Karunanidhi began as a screenwriter for Tamil film industry and made contributions to Tamil literature. He is credited for writing many stories, plays, novels etc. His skills in writing earned him the epithet of Kalaignar means an artist. He propagated his political ideas through the Tamil movie.
The DMK supremo was first elected from Kulithalai in 1957. He became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the first time in 1969 after the demise of the chief minister Annadurai. During his long political career, he served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five terms 1969–71, 1971–76, 1989–91, 1996–2001, and 2006–11. An arch-rivals MG Ramachandran and later, J Jayalalithaa, he commanded immense popularity in Tamil Nadu politics.
Illness and Death
The 94-year-old veteran leader was suffering from age-related ailments. He was admitted to the Kauveri hospital in Chennai and was undergoing treatment in ICU. His condition deteriorated and became "extremely critical and unstable". He died at the hospital on August 7, 2018, due to multiple-organ failure. He is survived by his wives Dayalu and Rajathi Ammal. His sons – MK Stalin, MK Alagiri and daughter Kanimozhi are in active politics.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the demise of the noted leader. Political leaders from both across the country and abroad paid tribute to the departed soul.
President of India: Extremely sad to learn of the passing of Thiru M. Karunanidhi. A doyen of our public life, as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers. Our country is poorer today. My condolences to his family and millions of well-wishers #PresidentKovind
Narendra Modi: 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.
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.
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.
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.
CMO Kerala: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed heartfelt grief over the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK leader M Karunanidhi. CM offered condolences to the bereaved family and to the people of Tamil Nadu.
Arvind Kejriwal: Feel v sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation.
Rahul Gandhi: 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.#Karunanidhi
Omar Abdullah: A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over.
Shashi Tharoor: News has just come in of the passing of Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi, a giant of Indian politics as CM of Tamil Nadu & a screenplay writer who gave voice to the Dravidian movement through his immortal dialogues. Tamil politics can never be the same again. RIP.
Nitin Gadkari: Saddened to know about the demise of Thiru M.Karunanidhi. May His soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu.
Rajnath Singh: Kalaignar Karunanidhi was a seasoned leader who dedicated himself in service to the poor and needy. He was a powerful voice of the marginalised section of our society. India mourns his demise.
Riteish Deshmukh: Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir.
Siddharth: The Last #Tamil Titan has fallen. Former TN CM #MKarunanidhi was an incomparable man. #TamilNadu has lost at once its greatest contemporary political and creative enigma. Our beautiful language #Tamil will miss #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi This void he has left will take ages to fill.
Entire Nation
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