Putting an end to all the speculations, Kauvery Hospital today announced the demise of DMK leader and five times Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi at 6:10 pm on Tuesday. The 94-year-old veteran had been dealing with extremely critical and unstable health for the last few weeks. A flood of DMK cadres and supporters have gathered outside the hospital many of whom have been staying there since Monday. The Tamil Nadu government has announced a seven-day period of mourning, and a holiday tomorrow.
“Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond. We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide,” the hospital said.
Obituary: Karunanidhi’s demise brings end to an era for Tamil Nadu politics
Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted after the Tamil Nadu government refused the permission Karunanidhi’s family’s request for a burial place near Anna Samadhi where CN Annadurai MGR and Jayalalithaa were buried. Instead, the state government offered 2 acres of lands near Gandhi Mandapam.
Madras HC grants permission to bury M Karunanidhi behind Anna Samadhi on Marina beach.
PM Modi arrives in Chennai. He will head to Rajaji hall soon to pay respects to Karunanidhi.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said, “We demand that Bharat Ratna be conferred upon him. We also demand that his memorial be made near Anna Samadhi.”
Rajinikanth also paid last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Rajaji Hal.
Bihar Government has announced two day state mourning
Bihar Government has announced two day state mourning in wake of M #Karunanidhi‘s death
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
Rajnikanth reaches M Karunanidhi‘s Gopalapuram residence to pay his last respects
Karunanidhi’s mortal remains reach his residence at Gopalapuram
Karunanidhi’s mortal remains have arrived at his residence at Gopalapuram where it will be kept till 1 AM before being taken to Rajaji Hall via the CIT Colony Residence of his daughter Kanimozhi. However, reports suggest that the crowd have supporters have tried to break barricades protesting against denial of burial place near Anna Samadhi.
Karunanidhi was an outstanding leader of Tamil Nadu and India. He was a prolific writer, poet, script writer, and dramatist. Tamil people were inspired by him to fight for social change and reform- D Raja, CPI
Karunanidhi deserves to be given space on Marina Beach: Rahul Gandhi
Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief. #Marina4Kalaignar
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2018
We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer: PM 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. pic.twitter.com/jOZ3BOIZMj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018
DMK moves Madras high court seeking space for Karunanidhi’s burial
DMK moves Madras high court seeking space for Karunanidhi’s burial on Marina beach near Anna Samadhi. DMK lawyers to seek an emergency hearing challenging the reasons cited by the government for denial.
DMK petition seeking a memorial in Marina beach will be considered at 10:30 pm tonight in an emergency hearing.
