Karunanidhi hits half century as DMK chief, DMK Party to celebrate

"Let us celebrate the golden jubilee of our leader assuming office as party chief," 94-year old Karunanidhi's son and DMK Working President MK Stalin said.

In a letter to the party workers, he noted "our beloved" leader shouldered the responsibility of heading the party as its president on July 27, 1969 after the passing away of DMK founder leader CN Annadurai.

Hailing Karunanidhi for his 'tireless' work in steering the party for half a century, he listed the welfare initiatives launched by his father during his five terms as Chief Minister.

Karunanidhi worked "without any respite" all his life, Stalin said adding "time has given some rest," a reference to his age-related health issues.

The party was confident that "time and medical science," will fulfill the party workers' yearning to hear his 'magnetic' voice again, he said.

DMK will celebrate the event by distributing sweets and giving away welfare assistance, a party leader here said.

Karunanidhi has been not keeping well since October 2016 and days ago he had underwent a procedure to change his tracheostomy tube, provided to help breathing.

Yesterday, 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.