Karunanidhi was expert in striking balance with rivals too: Gadkari

“This includes fostering and learning from our glorious heritage. Karunanidhi immortalised the greatness of Tiruvalluvar who was the first finest flower to blossom in the garden of mother India,” Gadkari said at the meeting before reasoning the possibility of his party being able to work with the DMK.

Adding that association of BJP with Karunanidhi and DMK has been long and cordial, Gadkari, expectedly drew reference from emergency days and said the DMK and Jan Sangh were the first to challenge the domination of Congress party. First to oppose imposition of emergency and fight for restoration of democracy.”

“As a befitting tribute to the great national leader, both houses were adjourned for a man who has not been a member of either of the houses. A political worker inspired by ideologies. But Politics is governed by political compulsions, contradictions and limitations. A tall political leader who struck a fine balance in advancing ideology and at the same working with parties with opposing ideology in national and public interest.

Karunanidhi was a visionary in this aspect,” the union minister, subtly recalling the DMK’s presence in the NDA and suggesting Stalin that it was possible for BJP and DMK to work together despite ideological differences. 

However, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad gave a fitting reply his BJP counterpart by reasoning, “Karunanidhi was a national figure. A personality who had national impact on politics.  He supported both BJP and Congress, but never compromised on basic principles and ideology. We may have to support a political party who we may not like. Question is you give up ideology or not? Parties have given up integrity and ideology, but Kalaignar, being party of NDA, did not give up ideology. I personally think, his support to NDA was the personal relationship with Vajpayee. It was not support to BJP but Vajpayee.”

Bihar Chief minister Nitish Kumar who also spoke, called Karunanidhi a crusader of social justice and equality and said that Karunanidhi was instrumental in drafting the common minimum programme for NDA regime under Vajpayee. “His ideas and works would continue to inspire generations of social and political workers. DMK will grow and flourish under the able leadership of Stalin,” Kumar added.