Sir — This refers to the editorial, “End of an era” (August 9). At the age of 94, a lawmaker for 61 years, in which he became the Chief Minister five times and was elected as the president of the DMK 10 times, Muthuvel Karunanidhi is no more. India has lost a pragmatic leader who knew how to differentiate between personal ties and political rivalry. Due to this, he managed to exert significant influence in the country.

Karunanidhi, who was not just a politician, but also a script writer, poet, playwright, an author and a chronicler of ancient Tamil history, was a rare in Indian politics.

Under the larger-than-life personality, the DMK started many social welfare (free electricity to farmers to reservation for women in Government services) schemes that ensured that social indices in Tamil Nadu remain the best in the country. After the death of Kalaignar, who had the ability to keep the DMK cadre together and motivated even after being out of power, a big question arises whether his son MK Stalin will be able to fill his shoes?

Great leader