'We have lost a living legend': K'taka CM Kumaraswamy reacts to Karunanidhi's passing
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi as a "living legend" as he paid tribute to the leader.
"I condole the death of the living legend, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Throughout his life, as a political leader he played a major role in the development of Tamil Nadu N state. Even when my father became PM of India, forming the United government at the time, Karunanidhi played a major role in forming the govt. In my life, several times I met him personally and all the time I met him he advised me and discussed several political experiences in his life. He entered film industry, after joining police and ruled TN five times and we lost a seasoned politician in this country. I condole the death of former CM," he said in a video message.
He further added that Karunanidhi used to remind him of the importance of regional parties whenever they met. "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.
#Karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar pic.twitter.com/9AuUVMXqzy
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 7, 2018
Karunanidhi was Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu during Kumaraswamy's first stint as Chief Minister of Karnataka. The duo have been involved in several meetings with each other particularly over the Cauvery river water sharing issue. Karunanidhi had also allied with Kumaraswamy's father HD Deve Gowda when he became Prime Minister of India in 1996.
DMK stalwart Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday evening. His death drew reactions from his counterparts in neighbouring Karnataka with several leaders paying tributes to him. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara highlighted how Karunanidhi commanded the respect of his entire state
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
Leader of the opposition BS Yeddyurappa too took to Twitter to express his condolences over the death of Karunanidhi and highlighted that in his time as Chief Minister of Karnataka, the duo had worked towards strengthening the cultural relationship of the two states.
ನಾನು ಹಾಗೂ ಕರುಣಾನಿಧಿಯವರು ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ತಮಿಳುನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞರ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ತಿರುವಳ್ಳುವರ್ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದೆವು. ಉಭಯ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ನಡುವಿನ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಸಂಬಂಧವನ್ನು ಈ ಮೂಲಕ ಗಟ್ಟಿಗೊಳಿಸಿದ್ದೆವು. ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸೌಹಾರ್ದತೆ ಬಯಸಿದ್ದ ಮುತ್ಸದ್ಧಿ ತಮಿಳು ನಾಯಕರೊಬ್ಬರನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇವೆ.
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) August 7, 2018