Dismissing all pending petitions challenging burials on the Marina, the Madras High Court on August 8, accepted the plea of DMK seeking allotment of space near Anna memorial for laying to rest its leader M Karunanidhi.

MK Stalin during the DMK meet

Chennai:

During the executive committee meeting, the working president of DMK, MK Stalin stated that he pleaded with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K Palaniswami for approving a final resting place in Marina for the late DMK leader M Karunanidhi.

MK Stalin said, "When Kalaignar was in his last stage, I held CM's hands and pleaded to fulfill his (Karunanidhi) last wish to be buried in Marina Beach but the government didn't agree".

The party recalled his contribution towards social justice, industrialisation, upholding regional autonomy and his role in various national events. Party leaders observe a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Stalin and senior leaders were present at the "emergency" meet, convened to condole the passing away of the Dravidian stalwart. After battling for life in a private hospital for about 10 days, Karunanidhi had breathed his last on August 7.

After the state government rejected DMK’s plea to provide a place near Anna’s memorial for the cremation of the party’s supremo, DMK moved High Court and the matter was taken up during a late night hearing. However, the Court had adjourned the matter at 1.15 am and resumed hearing at 8:30 am the next day.

(With inputs from agencies)