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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, BJP chief
Karunanidhi was 94. (Express photo archive) Karunanidhi was 94. (Express photo archive)
Politician-screenwriter M. Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday. He was 94. Karunanidhi started his career as a screenwriter in Tamil films. His first film as a writer released in 1947, but appreciation came his way after his 1952 film Parasakthi. The 1952 film also marked the debut of Sivaji Ganeshan and was the story of a family that faces many trials during World War II. The film was criticised at the time of its release as its content was quite bold in terms of its ideology. Karunanidhi was not afraid of expressing his thoughts when it came to a film’s script. Many of his films spoke about subjects like widow remarriage, abolition of zamindari and untouchability among other issues. A few of his plays were banned in the 1950s because of their content. For him, cinema was a vehicle of presenting his political thoughts and ideologies. His last film as a screenwriter was Ponnar Shankar that released in 2011.
Also Read | Karunanidhi passes away LIVE UPDATES
DMK Patriarch D Karunanidhi passed away after battling illness in Kauvery hospital. (Express photo) DMK Patriarch D Karunanidhi passed away after battling illness in Kauvery hospital. (Express photo)
Former Tamil Nadu CM and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi passed away after battling illness at the Kauvery hospital in Chennai on Tuesday. The 94-year-old leader was earlier shifted to the hospital on the intervening night of July 27-28 after his blood pressure fell. On July 31, the hospital said Karunanidhi would require an extended period of hospitalisation due to “decline” in his general health, although his vital parameters have normalised.
Earlier in the day, Kalaignar’s health deteriorated and the hospital said, “Despite the maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate. His condition is extremely critical and unstable.” Follow LIVE Updates HERE
July marked 49 years of the leader taking charge as the party chief. Karunanidhi was the first leader to enter the 50th year as the president of a political party. He became Tamil Nadu’s CM in 1969 for the first time and had held the position in the state five times, with the last tenure being in 2006. The patriarch had retreated from mainstream politics in 2016 after being diagnosed with a drug-induced allergy and his son, M K Stalin, took over as the working president of the party.
Karunanidhi had not been keeping well since October 2016 and recently had undergone a procedure to change his tracheostomy tube, to help him breathe. Working DMK president and Karunanidhi’s son, M K Stalin had said that Karunanidhi was suffering from fever and doctors were providing medication as he assured there was nothing to worry about the 94-year-old leader’s health. A medical bulletin released by the Kauvery hospital on August 6 read, “There has been a decline in the medical condition of Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi, DMK President and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical intervention over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis.”
A controversy brewed hours after the death of Kalaignar over his final resting place. While Karunanidhi’s family had requested a burial place near Anna samadhi at the Marina beach, the state government refused the permission and offered a piece of 2 acres of land in Gandhi Mandapam near Guindy. Reacting to the development, Congress said, “Tamil Nadu Government should not play politics. On such occasions, Government and parties should be above politics, and Kalaignar should be given his due. He deserves a rightful place even after his demise.”
Following the government’s rejection, DMK moved Madras High Court seeking space for Karunanidhi’s burial on Marina beach near Anna Samadhi. DMK lawyers have sought an emergency hearing challenging the reasons cited by the state government for denial.
Karunanidhi’s family requested a burial place near Anna samadhi at the Marina beach. Karunanidhi’s family requested a burial place near Anna samadhi at the Marina beach.
See Pics | Rare and unseen photos from his political journey
Several senior DMK leaders, including M K Stalin, daughter Kanimozhi, his family members and other frontline leaders were present at the hospital when the leader breath his last. Karunanidhi’s estranged son and former DMK leader M K Alagiri, who was expelled from the party by Karunanidhi in January 2014 after a prolonged struggle for power with his younger brother Stalin also visited him in the hospital.
Following the death of the Tamil leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief and tweeted, “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.” Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Kalaignar strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over 6 decades. In his passing, India has lost a great son.”
Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician, Rajinikanth called it a ‘black day’ in his life and said, “I lost my Kalaignar. I pray for his soul.”
Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress president Rahul Gandhi among other senior politicians had visited the DMK patriarch in Kauvery hospital and prayed for his speedy recovery. Pm Modi will visit Chennai on Wednesday to pay his tributes to the DMK leader.
DMK supporters outside Kauvery hospital. DMK supporters outside Kauvery hospital.
Karunanidhi, who enjoyed a cult figure in the state, had been known as one of the fierce adversaries of late AIADMK chief Jayalalitha, post-MGR period. His first election speech in 2016 had created a stir and momentum when he nicknamed Jayalalithaa a ‘Maharani’ (princess).
Known for his oratorical skills, Karunanidhi identified himself with the common man. “I am one of your brothers, I am one of your children. I am talking from my heart. Only if Dravida rule comes, Dravida makkal will get a good life,” he would say, adding that he came to visit them not to seek votes alone, but to bring a change.
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DMK chief M. Karunanidhi passed away at 6:10 pm on Tuesday, said a medical bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai at 6:45 p.m.
Earlier, party working president M.K. Stalin met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter's residence in Chennai and requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for Mr. Karunanidhi's burial. However, the Tamil Nadu government, citing legal hurdles, denied permission. Instead, it has offered two acres of land near Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel Road.
A large number of DMK cadres and supporters had gathered outside the hospital, many of whom have been staying there since Monday evening.
Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be in hospital due to age-related ailments, and is under "active medical support".
Click here to read Monday's updates
Here are the live updates:
9:20 pm
Madras HC acting CJ to hear DMK plea
Madras High Court acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh agrees to hear by 10.30 p.m. a case against denial of place at the Marina to bury Karunanidhi’s body. The hearing will take place if the papers are in order and the Advocate-General is informed about the hearing, reports our correspondent Mohamed Imranullah S.
9: 10 pm
Karunanidhi's body taken to his Gopalapuram residence
Karunanidhi's body is being taken to his Gopalapuram residence now. His body is wrapped in the DMK's black and red flag.
8: 50 pm
DMK sends another request for burial space next to Anna Memorial
Mr. Stalin has issued another public statement to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu seeking space next to Anna Memorial on the Marina for Mr. Karunanidhi's burial.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaiko who was at Kauvery Hospital said, "When Kalaignar has left crores of people in tears, this heartless government is denying space to bury him next to Anna. I pray to you, please don't do this sinful act."
8: 50 pm
A tense situation prevails outside Kauvery Hospital. Police order lathi charge.
8:20 pm
DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has issued the following statement:
"Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be taken to his Gopalapuram residence. Family members and relatives can pay their respects between 8.30 p.m and 1 a.m..
"Following this, Karunanidhi 's mortal remains will be kept at his CIT Colony residence between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
"At 4 a.m., his remains will be taken to Rajaji Hall where party cadre, general public and political leaders can pay their respects."
8: 10 pm
Seven-day mourning
The Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday on August 8, 2018, and announced a seven-day mourning period for the former chief minister.
The DMK patriarch's last journey will be on Wednesday and the National Flag will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Mr. Karunanidhi's mortal remains will be kept at Rajaji Hall for the public to pay their last respects, a statement released by State Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan read.
8:00 pm
Tamil Nadu government refuses permission to bury Karunanidhi at the Marina
The Tamil Nadu government has refused permission to bury DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi at the Marina citing "legal hurdles and several cases pending in courts." Instead, the government is ready to allot two acres of land near the Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel road.
Earlier, DMK Organising Secretary M. Durai Murgan told the media that they met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and requested the government to allow the burial of the former chief minister beside the memorial of his mentor C.N. Annadurai.
7:45 pm
Stalin's appeal to DMK cadre
Mr. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K. Stalin asks cadres to maintain peace, adhere to discipline. He also asks cadre at Kauvery Hospital to disperse peacefully.
Mr. Stalin says, "there will be people who will want to cause a bad name to the party using this sad situation. You should identify such anti-social elements, prevent any untoward incidents and hand them over to the police."
He also requests cadre to ensure that they don't bring disrepute Kalaignar's legacy, and ensure that the public are not put to any hardship.
7:40 pm
Cadre attempts self immolation
A 50-year-old DMK member attempted self immolation in Karur after hearing the news of death of DMK leader Karunanidhi.
N. Saravanan poured kerosene over his body and tried to set himself on fire when the police thwarted his attempt. He was taken to Karur Town police station.
7:35 pm
M. Karunanidhi is sworn in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second term at the Madras University Auditorium in Madras on March 15, 1971 after the DMK won a record 184 seats in the Assembly elections. Mr. Karunanidhi’s government was dismissed by the Centre on January 31, 1976 over his opposition to Emergency rule. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, whose electoral journey began in Kulithalai in 1957, has won all the 13 elections he has contested.
Only in 1984 did he stay away from the Assembly elections and subsequently went to the Legislative Council.
7:30 pm
"I hear a lullaby. Let me sleep. Don't wake me up.'' These were Mr. Karunanidhi's words when he visited his hometown Thirukuvalai near Tiruvarur on May 2006.
Mr. Karunanidhi was born on June 3, 1924, at Thirukuvalai, now in Nagapattinam district (then in the composite Tanjore district) and did his schooling in nearby Tiruvarur. His father Muthuvel was a scholar and his mother Anjugam a housewife.
7:25 pm
Puducherry Government has declared holiday on Wednesday and has announced three-day mourning.
7:20 pm
Madurai mourns
Shutters of all shops closed near M.G.R. Bus Stand in Mattuthavani, Madurai. A total of 30 private services heading from Madurai to Chennai and Bengaluru have been stopped.
Around 20 SETC services from Madurai's MGR Bus Stand, Mattuthavani to Chennai, Bangalore, Guruvayur, Tirupati and Ernakulam have been stopped. KSRTC buses will not ply too, officials confirmed. "Only buses coming from other districts will leave from the bus stop," said an official.
7:15 pm
Shutters down on shops, movie theatres
All movie screenings have been cancelled for tonight and tomorrow. Theatre owners have said the ticket fares will be reimbursed.
Cinema shows in theatres across Tamil Nadu will remain suspended from Tuesday night till the last rites of DMK president M. Karunanidhi are performed on Wednesday, as a mark of respect to the departed leader, says R.M. Annamalai, president, Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors' Association.
As a mark of respect to the departed former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, all trade and business establishments in the State would remain closed till the mortal remains of the leader is laid to rest, according to senior president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, S. Rethinavelu.
Wednesday's TNPL Eliminator match between the Lyca Kovai Kings and iDream Karaikudi Kaalai has been cancelled.
7:00 pm
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the DMK chief's demise.
In his condolence message, President Kovind lauded Mr. Karunanidhi as "doyen of our public life, as contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers."
"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," Mr. Modi tweeted.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he will be visiting Chennai.
Click here to read more reactions.
6:45 pm
Karunanidhi has passed away. The end came at 6:10 pm, Kauvery Hospital announces.
The final medical bulletin from the hospital says:
"With deep anguish we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 06.10 pm. 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."
6:40 pm
DMK workers and supporters are thronging outside the Kauvery Hospital. The road leading to the hospital has been barricaded and supporters are now occupying the nearby flyover. Banners praising Mr. Karunanidhi are being erected.
Prayers and cries of "Ezhundu vaa thalaivaa" echoe the area.
6:20 pm
Barricades are being placed on the divider on Wallajah Road, starting from the Marina T-point, reports Deepu Edmond Sabastian.
Shops are also being closed.
Abirami Cinemas, a prominent multiplex in Chennai, cancels shows.
K.G. Cinemas in Coimbatore also cancels the shows.
6:00 pm
A flurry of activities at at the Gopalapuram residence of the DMK patriarch. Mr. Karunanidhi's long-time Secretary Shanmuganathan arrives. His relatives are trickling in. Former Minister E. V. Velu too is in Gopalapuram.
Mr. Karunanidhi's car being removed from the garage.
5:45 pm
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reach Chennai.
Television channels show an ambulance being brought into the Kauvery Hospital.
5:40 pm
At Gopalapuram
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter M.K. Selvi and daughters-in-law Durga Stalin and Mohana Tamizharasu were seen entering his Gopalapuram residence.
DMK leaders Poongothai Aladi Aruna and Tamizhachi Thangapandian too arrive.
Commando forces have been deployed near his residence, reports Vivek Narayanan.
LIVE: #Karunanidhi 's daughter M.K. Selvi and daughters-in-law Durga Stalin and Mohana Tamizharasu seen entering his Gopalapuram residence. #KalaignarHealth https://t.co/tub7sTLend pic.twitter.com/QxB0jZatne — The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 7, 2018
5:30 pm
The MTC bus services have been gradually reduced in Chennai. The suburban train services are being operated as usual.
Tasmac shops have been asked to down shutters by 6 p.m., reports Sangeetha Kandavel. A Tasmac union member said that few shops have already downed shutters while the others would wait until 6 p.m.
Over 5000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. It is expected to be doubled in the coming hours, according to sources.
5:10 pm
Security tightened at M. Karunanidhi's residence at Gopalapuram in Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan
More police personnel are deployed outside the residence of Mr. Karunanidhi i n Gopalapuram.
4:30 pm
The Kauvery Hospital releases a medical bulletin, saying Mr. Karunanidhi is "extremely critical" and "unstable."
The has been significant decline in the clinical condition of Mr. Karunanidhi, the bulletin said adding that despite maximum medical support, his vital organ functions continue to deteriorate.
The health bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai which states that Karunanidhi's health condition is extremely critical. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
3:30 pm
Television channels show footage of police personnel gathering at the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai.
Security around the Kauvery Hospital has also been increased. The main entrance is completely barricaded.
Police personnel deployed near Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan
The Tamil Nadu DGP has ordered all police personnel to report to duty. The DGP's office has sent a fax message to all Commissioners of Police, DIGs and District SPs to direct the strength to report immediately in uniform.
2:50 pm
Mr. Stalin meets the Chief Minister at the latter's residence.. According to sources in the DMK, Mr. Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.
Mr. Stalin's siblings Kanimozhi and Alagiri, senior party leaders T.R. Baalu, Murasoli Selvam and I. Periasamy were present during the meeting.
Incidentally, a public interest plea in the Madras High Court that sought a direction to prevent any construction of memorials on the Marina was withdrawn on Tuesday.
2:30 pm
A private channel's vehicle is attacked by DMK cadres.
A private television channel's vehicle being attacked by DMK cadres outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
1:00 pm
Medical bulletins released so far
The Kauvery Hospital has released five medical bulletins on Mr. Karunanidhi's health so far.
The first one on July 28 said the DMK chief has been admitted to the intensive care unit following a "drop in blood pressure." The same night, another bulletin was released. It said Mr. Karunanidhi "remains stable with ongoing active medical support."
The third bulletin was released on July 29. It informed of a "transient setback of the clinical condition" of Mr. Karunanidhi.
The hospital on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary for Mr. Karunanidhi "due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters."
The fifth bulletin released on August 6 said: "There has been decline in the medical condition of the DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments.
"He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the progress."
12:50 pm
"We have seen Kalaignar’s bravery all through his life, this time also he will prove. We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery," tweets actor-turned-politician R. Sarath Kumar. '
12:40 pm
“Ezhundhu vaa thalaiva, ezhundhu vaa.." continues to near the hospital. Party workers and Mr. Karunanidhi's supporters are stationed outside the hospital since Monday night.
11:30 am
Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy visits the DMK veteran at the hospital. After a brief visit, he leaves. Tamil Manila Congress president G.K. Vasan too pays a short visit.
10.45 a.m
MDMK founder Vaiko arrives at the hospital. Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin also arrive.
Separate enclosure for women cadre outside Kauvery Hospital where where former TN CM M. Karunanidhi is admitted, Chennai, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: Vivek Narayanan
9.35 a.m
M. Karunanidhi's son and DMK working president M.K Stalin arrives at the hospital. Party cadres gather outside, waving flags. DMK leader A. Raja also arrives.
Fathima Beevi from Pudukottai raises slogans outside Kauvery Hospital, wishing for DMK Chief #MKarunanidhi's recovery | @journovivek pic.twitter.com/Wkn7teVjhk — The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 7, 2018
8.50 a.m
Mr. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and Mr. A. Raja arrive at the hospital early on Tuesday. Over 1200 armed reserve policemen are on standby. Already, 400 men have been deployed around the hospital.
The scene outside M. Karunanidhi's house at Gopalapuram in Chennai early on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan
Mylapore Deputy Commissioner NK Mayilvahanan is at the hospital. Crowd management measures are being put in place. Luz Church Road has been blocked from Nageshwara Rao park towards the Kauvery Hospital. Vehicles are being allowed towards St. Isabel's hospital.
(With inputs from Tamil Nadu Bureau)
