Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah, other leaders pay tribute to Karunanidhi

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led several leaders in paying tributes to veteran Tamil Nadu politician M Karunanidhi who passed away in a Chennai hospital on Tuesday.

The 94-year-old DMK patriarch and five-time chief minister passed away after a prolonged illness at 6.10 pm in Chennai.

President Kovind said India had become poorer as Karunanidhi had few peers as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and 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

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2018

Prime Minister Modi recalled Karunanidhi’s commitment to “regional aspirations” and “Tamil welfare”, and expressed condolences to the late leader’s family.

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. pic.twitter.com/jOZ3BOIZMj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/l7ypa1HJNC

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018

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

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami, who is of the AIADMK, an archrival of Karunanidhi’s DMK, noted that the former chief minister had contributed to the fields of politics, cinema and literature.

Congress president, Rahul Gandhi, whose party is an ally of Karunanidhi’s DMK, said “India has lost a great son” who was “loved by the Tamilian people”.

“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,’ Gandhi said.

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

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2018

BJP president Amit Shah expressed sadness at the death of the veteran politician and said, “No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975.”

Anguished to learn about the demise of veteran politician, M Karunanidhi ji. He had an impressive life journey, starting as a screen writer in Tamil film industry to being five term Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2018

I express my deepest condolences and pray to the Almighty to give strength to Karunanidhi ji's family and followers in this hour of grief to bear the profound loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2018

In the last few days, several leaders had met Karunanidhi at Kauvery hospital in Chennai where he was undergoing treatment.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee noted that Karunanidhi had influenced state and national politics like no other.

Deeply saddened at the passing away of Kalaignar M Karunanidhi.60 years a legislator,5 times CM & a pillar of many coalitions at the Centre,he influenced his State's & the National politics like few others. My deepest condolences to his family & admirers.He will be missed deeply.

— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 7, 2018

Actor-politician Rajinikanth called the day a black one in his life, “one which I can never forget as I lost my Kalaignar (Artiste, as Karunanidhi is often referred to)”. “I pray for his soul,” Rajinikanth told media persons in Chennai.

US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster too joined the leaders in paying tributes.

On behalf of the United States Mission in India, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Chief Minister Muthuvel #Karunanidhi and the people of Tamil Nadu. He will be remembered for his years of public service to his state and the country at large.

— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) August 7, 2018

Calling him one of the greats of Indian politics, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Karunanidhi was a man of letters who enriched the Tamil language with poems, novels, screenplays and plays.

Cricketers Ashwin Ravichandran and Virender Sehwag too expressed their grief over the demise of the leader.

Several other political leaders remembered Karunanidhi and posted pictures of their association with him on social media.

First Published: Aug 07, 2018 20:10 IST