Tributes pour in for late former CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi

Prime Minister Modi described him as a prolific thinker and a deep-rooted mass leader who stood for regional aspiration and national progress. 

"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 tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind called Karunanidhi a "doyen of our public life" who had few peers while Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the Tamil leader left a mark of his own during his long public life of about 80 years.

Karunanidhi, who dominated the state's politics for over six decades along with his arch-rivals MG Ramachandran first and then with J Jayalalithaa, died at a hospital in Chennai this evening. He was 94.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the DMK leader strode the stage of Tamil politics like a colossus for six decades, adding, India has lost a "great son" in his demise. 

Rahul Gandhi would be travelling to Chennai tomorrow, along with other senior Congress leaders, to pay homage to Karunanidhi and participate in his last rites.

"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," he said on Twitter.

BJP chief Amit Shah said Karunanidhi had an impressive life journey, starting as a screen writer in Tamil film industry to being five term Chief Minister of the state. "No one can forget his struggle during Emergency."

JD-S supremo HD Deve Gowda said the Tamil leader was a "doyen of our public life and that his opposition to emergency will always be remembered."

"Today, India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost his father figure," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said before leaving for Chennai to pay her last respect to him.

CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said Karunanidhi rose to be a political and intellectual leader championing social justice and uplift of the poor and marginalised.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the country has lost a versatile genius who was an outstanding artist, an eminent writer and a true leader who always stood for the cause of the poor and downtrodden classes of the society. 

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Karunanidhi was the repository of federalism in India. "Dr. Karunanidhi was the harbinger of politics of deprived and politics of the poor in the state of Tamil Nadu. Dr. Karunanidhi represented scientific temper and creation of a caste less society," he added.

Another party leader Mallikarjun Kharge described Karunanidhi as champion of Tamils and an astute political leader who never lost an election in a career spanning six decades. 

"He paved path for youngsters of the state to follow the Dravidian philosophy and he will always be known for his contribution to this ideology," said Kharge. 

BJP veteran LK Advani described Karunanidhi as a doyen of Indian politics and a man of committed ideals. "He was a doyen of Indian politics who had started his career after independence. He was a man of committed ideals, he excelled in the field of politics and had also made valuable contributions to the Tamil literature," Advani said in a statement. 

"Kalaignar Karunanidhi's death today will be unforgettable and considered as a black day in my whole life. May his soul rest in peace," Rajinikanth tweeted.

"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," Rajanth Singh tweeted.

"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," the Home Minsiter added.

"Saddened to hear the passing of Respected M Karunanidhi. One of the greats of Tamil politics. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times in my career. When I first became World Champion, he felicitated me & presented me with a chess set that I cherish," said Vishwanathan Anand.

"A patron of sport and achievement. I have always admired his speeches and his eloquence. My deepest condolences to his family," the Grandmaster added.