DMK patriarch and five-time former Tamil Nadu chief minister, M Karunanidhi, died on Tuesday (Aug 7) at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. He was 94. Popularly known as Kalaignar, he was admitted to hospital on July 18. He breathed his last at 6.10 pm, a press release by Kauvery Hospital stated.
“With deep anguish, we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 6.10 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 member and fellow Tamilians worldwide,” the release issued by Kauvery Hospital stated.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of the DMK patriarch; saying: “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 marginalized”.
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
Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu’s voice was effectively heard. pic.twitter.com/l7ypa1HJNC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018
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) August 7, 2018
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. pic.twitter.com/7ZZQi9VEkm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018
President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled the death of the former five-term Tamil Nadu CM.
Extremely sad to learn of the passing of Thiru M. Karunanidhi. A doyen of our public life, as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers. Our country is poorer today. My condolences to his family and millions of well-wishers #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2018
Meanwhile, thousands of DMK supporters gathered outside the hospital after news of him being “very very critical” began to spread since the afternoon hours. Many supporters were seen crying inconsolably after the news of his demise was confirmed by hospital authorities.
