DMK patriarch Dr M Karunanidhi passed away at 6.10 pm on Tuesday, at the age of 94. He had been hospitalised for a period of 11 days and had been out of active life for two years.
In a release, Kauvery Hospital, said, "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 of a team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond."
Following the announcement, tributes began to pour in for the leader from all quarters.
Tamil Nadu Edappadi Palaniswami, expressed his grief after the demise of the five-time former Chief Minister of the state.
“Former CM M Karunanidhi’s demise is a great loss to the state. To his family that mourns his loss and to his son, TN legislature’s opposition chief, MK Stalin, and to DMK members, I convey my deepest condolences. I pray for his soul to rest in peace,” he said in a statement.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு.எடப்பாடி கே.பழனிசாமி அவர்களின் இரங்கல் செய்தி - 7.8.2018 pic.twitter.com/NXEV9jZxUZ
— Edappadi K Palaniswami (@CMOTamilNadu) August 7, 2018
Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu expressed his grief. “An MLA for 13 times since 1957 from 7 different constituencies and CM of Tamil Nadu for five times speaks for his deep connect with the people,” he said.
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) August 7, 2018
He was a multifaceted personality & a gritty fighter and had overcome several challenges during his long public life. An MLA for 13 times since 1957 from 7 different constituencies and CM of Tamil Nadu for five times speaks for his deep connect with the people. #Karunanithi
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 7, 2018
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy also condoled the DMK supremo’s demise.
"He strived for the development of Tamil Nadu throughout his life and built a stronghold for regional party DMK. I had met him several times. Every time, he made me understand the importance of regional parties. The popular schemes he implemented for the downtrodden people are replicated in various states today. DMK was a prominent coalition partner in the H D Deve Gowda government at the Centre, and he had played a crucial role in forming the Government. Karunanidhi came to politics from the film industry, and his dedication towards the well being of people of Tamilnadu is always memorable. In his death, we have lost a unique personality in Indian politics; Tamil Nadu has lost a visionary leader,” he said in a statement.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave his condolences to the family of the late leader, and said that his legacy will live on.
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) August 7, 2018
Kalaignar was one of the greats of Indian politics, but his contributions were not limited to politics. He was a man of letters who enriched the Tamil language with poems, novels, screenplays and plays. CM opined that the legacy of the great leader will live on.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 7, 2018
Expressing his grief, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that it will be difficult to fill the void. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Pondicherry Chief Minister V Narayansamy also condoled his death.
In his death, India has lost a political stalwart and it will be difficult to fill the void caused by his sad demise. Telangana CM KC Rao has expressed his condolences to the bereaved members of the family: Statement
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over passing away of DMK President and Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi: Statement
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
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
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also mourned his loss.
Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell @Kalaignar89. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, @arivalayam, @mkstalin, @KanimozhiDMK and family. India mourns your loss
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2018
Indian National Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the party expressed their grief, and called him “a true representative of our democracy”.
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) August 7, 2018
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of one of India's most dynamic leaders, M. Karunanidhi. He was a true representative of our democracy and worked tirelessly for the people of Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the nation shall never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/gCunM2wr1D
— Congress (@INCIndia) August 7, 2018
BJP National President also Amit Shah expressed his condolences for the veteran politician. “No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975,” he said.
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 (@AmitShah) August 7, 2018
I express my deepest condolences and pray to the Almighty to give strength to Karunanidhi ji's family and followers in this hour of grief to bear the profound loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2018
Former President Pranab Mukherjee, expressing his sorrow, called Karunanidhi “a pillar of coalitions”.
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) August 7, 2018
Union Ministers JP Nadda and Nirmala Sitharaman also mourned the Dravidian leader’s loss.
Deeply saddened by the demise of a patriarch of Dravidian #Karunanidhi ji. His death has left a void gap in Indian politics. My deepest condolences to people of Tamil Nadu and family of Karunanidhi ji. May his soul rest in peace.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) August 7, 2018
Condolences on the demise of senior leader, former Chief Minister, writer, Tamizh scholar #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi. My condolences to his family and all followers on this immense loss.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) 7 August 2018
Expressing her sorrow, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, “He was a great leader, who worked for the downtrodden. It is a big loss for the whole country.”
Rajnath Singh termed mourned the leader's demise, and called it as “a monumental loss to India’s political landscape”.
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) August 7, 2018
The demise of Kalaignar Karunanidhi is a monumental loss to India’s political landscape. His contribution to the Tamil society and the Tamil Nadu state will always be remembered. My heartfelt tributes to Kalaignar Karunanidhi and condolences to the bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 7, 2018
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed their condolences.
Only once in a while you see a visionary leader like @kalaignar89, who championed the cause of social activism and federalism. My respect to a giant soul who departed for heavenly abode. My condolences are with family and fans of Shri #Karunanidhi.
— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 7, 2018
News has just come in of the passing of Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi, a giant of Indian politics as CM of Tamil Nadu & a screenplay writer who gave voice to the Dravidian movement through his immortal dialogues. Tamil politics can never be the same again. RIP.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 7, 2018
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa gave their condolences after Karunanidhi’s passing.
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) August 7, 2018
A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 7, 2018
“A senior politician and former TN CM M Karunanidhi's death has saddened me. I pray to god, may his soul rest in peace and his supporters, family may find the strength to bear the sadness,” said BJP Karnataka president and former CM BS Yeddyurappa.
ಹಿರಿಯ ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿ ಹಾಗೂ ತಮಿಳುನಾಡಿನ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಎಂ.ಕರುಣಾನಿಧಿಯವರ ನಿಧನವು ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಅತೀವ ನೋವು ತಂದಿದೆ. ಅವರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಸದ್ಗತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ, ಕುಟುಂಬ ಹಾಗೂ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳಿಗೆ ದುಃಖ ಭರಿಸುವ ಶಕ್ತಿ ದೊರೆಯಲಿ ಎಂದು ಭಗವಂತನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. pic.twitter.com/lCEx7YfeQ6
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) August 7, 2018
Communist Party of India(Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Karnataka MLA KJ George and Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh also expressed their grief.
Kalaignar Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy of seven decades long contributions to evolving Indian & TN politics. He rose to be a political & intellectual leader championing social justice & upliftment of the poor & marginalised. pic.twitter.com/M1NDg0kSyU
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) August 7, 2018
The last of the leaders who could command respect and admiration of his entire state. A national phenomenon for his steadfast commitment to rights and self-respect of Indian people. His death has left a huge void in Tamil and Indian polity. My respects to #KalaignarKarunanidhi pic.twitter.com/05HuPoVkxa
— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) August 7, 2018
I mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of country, DMK Patriarch Late Shri. #Karunanidhi and share the grief with the family members and people of Tamil Nadu. May his soul rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/JFIIbc4WgF
— KJ George (@thekjgeorge) August 7, 2018
A prolific writer who wove magic with words, a leader who is revered by his people, a politician who played a huge role in shaping national politics and a fighter with a writer’s heart who always stood for Tamil identity. M Karunanidhi Garu will be dearly missed! #RIPKalaignar
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) August 7, 2018