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After spending 11 days in Kauvery hospital , DMK patriarch Karunanidhi passed away at 6.10 pm . Marking an end of an era. The five time chief Minister was 94-years old. Tamil Nadu will observe a one week mourning.
His death is big blow to the state . It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu had already lost AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa on December 5- 2016 and within two years M Karunanidhi passes away on 7.8. 2018.
Earlier in the evening, the hospital had put out a bulletin stating that he was extremely critical and unstable. Karunanidhi had spent 11 days in hospital. The news had made the DMK cadres very emotional and they were hoping for a miracle. But that was not to be. Thousands of supporters who were waiting outside the broke down in tears as his death was announced.
His health had seen a significant decline in the last 24 hours due to multi-organ failure. Doctors stated that despite maximum medical support, he could not be resuscitated.
Karunanidhi’s body will be first taken to daughter Kanimozhi’s residence in CIT Colony from the Kauvery Hospital, then to the Gopalapuram residence.
From there the DMK chief’s remains will be kept at the Rajaji Hall for the public to pay their last respects.
As soon as the news of his death came tributes started pouring in from leaders across party lines:
President Ramnath Kovind tweeted his sadness in his tweet
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
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India.
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. pic.twitter.com/jOZ3BOIZMj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018
Congress president Rahul Gandhi too tweeted his grief
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
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mourned his death
News has just come in of the passing of Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi, a giant of Indian politics as CM of Tamil Nadu & a screenplay writer who gave voice to the Dravidian movement through his immortal dialogues. Tamil politics can never be the same again. RIP.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 7, 2018
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid his rich tribute
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
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too expressed her grief
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
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2018
