Prime Minister called the DMK supremo a deep-rooted mass leader.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today mourned the death of DMK president M Karunanidhi, describing him as a prolific thinker and a deep-rooted mass leader who stood for regional aspiration and national progress.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India. 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,” Modi said in his tweets.
The PM said that he had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi on several occasions and his understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out.
He was firmly committed to democratic ideals and his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered, Modi said.
“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,” the PM said.
“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,” he tweeted.
Karunanidhi died at 6.10 pm today at the age of 94 after prolonged illness.
Other leaders also paid their tributes
President Kovind too paid his tributes on Twitter, “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”
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
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “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.”
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
Home minister Rajnath Singh shared his condolences on Twitter, “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.”
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
Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also paid his tributes on Twitter, “Feel v sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation”.