How national leaders react to DMK supremo Karunanidhi's death
M Karunanidhi, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK supremo breathed his least on Tuesday in Chennai. The 94-year-old political stalwart was suffering from various ailments for a long time.
Published: 07th August 2018 07:40 PM | Last Updated: 08th September 2020 04:53 PM | A+A A-

DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi addressing a gathering. (EPS)
M Karunanidhi, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK supremo breathed his least on Tuesday in Chennai. The 94-year-old political stalwart was suffering from various ailments for a long time.
"Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond," said a press release from Kauvery Hospital where he was admitted in.
Tamil Nadu government has declared one-week mourning and public holiday on Wednesday to mark the demise of former Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi.
Here is how national leaders reacted to the former CM's death:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the passing away of Karunanidhi:
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 7 August 2018
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
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. pic.twitter.com/cbMiMPRy7l
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 7 August 2018
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister:
தமிழ்நாட்டின் முன்னாள் முதலமைச்சரும், இந்தியாவின் மிக மூத்த அரசியல்வாதியும், தற்போது சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினராகவும் உள்ள கலைஞர் திரு.மு.கருணாநிதி அவர்கள் உடல் நலக்குறைவால் மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டு சிகிச்சை பலனின்றி இன்று காலமானார் என்ற செய்தியை அறிந்து மிகுந்த வேதனை அடைந்தேன்.
— Edappadi K Palaniswami (@EPSTamilNadu) 7 August 2018
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reacted to the news on Twitter:
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. pic.twitter.com/TrnwcXoXCI
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) 7 August 2018
India has lost a great son, says 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
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 7 August 2018
Puducherry CM V Narayanaswamy:
World Tamil Leader who has been champion for poor&downtrodden Dr.Kalaignar is no more. He played active politics in TN & across India. He was instrumental to create Prime Ministers in India. It's a great loss to people of TN & India. I condole his death. #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi
— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) 7 August 2018
Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav:
In Kalaignar's unfortunate demise. I have lost a long trusted friend/guardian and the nation has lost one of the greatest fighter for social justice. My deepest condolences to family members and his associates. #Karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar
— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) August 7, 2018
Former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav:
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. His passing is a great loss to the nation. May his soul rest in peace.
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) 7 August 2018
Former President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted that Karunanidhi influenced his State's & the National politics like few others.
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) 7 August 2018
Former Union Minister P Chidambaram:
In the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi the Nation and the Tamil people have lost a colossus who was more than the 50-year leader of a political party and a five-time Chief Minister.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) August 7, 2018
Home Minister 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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) 7 August 2018
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar:
प्रख्यात राजनीतिज्ञ, डी. एम. के. प्रमुख एवं तमिलनाडु के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री एम. #Karunanidhi जी का निधन दु:खद। उन्होंने लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों को हमेशा ऊपर रखा। वंचित वर्गों के उत्थान हेतु उनके योगदान को सभी हमेशा याद रखेंगे। उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।https://t.co/15UwlUBVil
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) 7 August 2018
Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah:
Saddened by the death of Tamilnadu former Chief Minister and icon of social justice M.Karunanidhi.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 7, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of M. Karunanidhi. Great loss for the nation and especially for Tamilnadu #RIPKalaignar @INCKarnataka pic.twitter.com/x4VoHLSCQ5
Sharad Pawar:
Saddened to know about the demise of DMK President and former CM of Tamilnadu M. Karunanidhi. He will be always remembered as a leader of masses in the Indian political realm. My heartfelt condolences with his family. May his soul rest in peace.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) 7 August 2018
Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu:
I am grieved by the passing away of Shri M. Karunanidhi, one of the leading and longstanding politicians of our country who left a mark of his own during his long public life of about 80 years including 56 years as Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. #Karunanithi pic.twitter.com/a8rZsW9fDz
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) 7 August 2018
Maharashtra Chief Minister:
Pained to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Karunanidhi ji.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) 7 August 2018
He was most popular leader in Tamil Nadu’s politics.
A known writer who always stressed on social reforms.
My heartfelt tributes to this great leader and condolences to his family & lakhs of followers! pic.twitter.com/5WmyhuWEhB
The mortal remains of DMK president M Karunanidhi will be taken to Gopalapuram residence first.