Five-time Chief Minister and Tamil Nadu’s mass leader M Karunanidhi passes away at 94

The 94-year-old patriarch of Tamil Nadu’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party passed away on Tuesday evening. He was admitted at Chennai’s Kauvery Hospital and his health had continuously deteriorated in the past few days. Today after 6.30 in the evening, the hospital released a statement to announce M Karunanidhi’s death.

The hospital, in its statement, said, “With deep anguish, we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaingar Dr M Kaurnanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 6.10 pm. Despite the best possible efforts by our doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond.” The statement was released by the executive director of the hospital, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj.

Moments after DMK’s demise was made public, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, on Twitter, “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.”

Several political leaders including chief ministers of different states such as Arvind Kejriwal had announced that they will visit DMK.

DMK’s ally Congress party said, “Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of one of India’s most dynamic leaders, M. Karunanidhi. He was a true representative of our democracy and worked tirelessly for the people of Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the nation shall never be forgotten.”