Journalism of Courage
DMK stalwart and five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94 after battling illness for a long time. Wheelchair-bound since 2009, and retired from politics since October 2016, Karunanidhi’s health condition worsened on July 26 when he developed fever and urinary tract infection. Kalaignar, as he was fondly called by his peers, joined politics at the age of 14. He was a rationalist and atheist mentored by Periyar E V Ramasamy and C N Annadurai, the torchbearers of Dravidian politics and the “self-respect movement” in the state since the 1920s. He became chief minister for the first time in 1969, after the death of Annadurai, who founded the DMK. (Express Photo)
The news of his demise triggered mourning across Tamil Nadu and among the hundreds of DMK workers who had gathered outside the hospital since June 27 when Karunanidhi was admitted for treatment following a dip in blood pressure. (Express Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday traveled to Chennai to pay his last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi. After the news of his demise, the PM described Karunanidhi as “one of the senior most leaders of India”. (Express Photo)
Posting a series of pictures of himself with the DMK chief, the Prime Minister wrote: "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." (Express Photo)
The Tamil Nadu government announced a seven-day mourning and declared a day’s holiday Wednesday for the final rites. (Express Photo)
The central government also announced a day’s national mourning and cancelled meetings of key cabinet committees slated for 1 pm. It stated that Karunanidhi will be accorded a state funeral. (Express Photo)
Actor-politician Rajnikanth pay his last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai. (Express Photo)
The actor speaking to mediapersons in Chennai on Tuesday said, "This day, my Kalaignar has passed and this day will forever remain in my heart as the darkest day. May his soul rest in peace." (Express Photo)
Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy visited Chennai to pay tribute to departed DMK leader Karunanidhi. (Express Photo)
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan paid his last respects to former state chief M Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. (Express Photo)
South Indian film actor M Nasser pays last respects to Karunanidhi. (Express Photo)
Two people were killed while 47 others were injured in a stampede among thousands of mourners at the funeral of DMK stalwart Karunanidhi.As per reports, the stampede occured when a sudden rush among mourners arriving at the site caused many to lose their balance and fall. (Express Photo)
Former Kerala CM Oomen Chandy remembered Karunanidhi as a tall political leader of the country. Chandy while speaking with media was quoted by PTI as saying, "He was a tall political leader of our country and a very good administrator. When he was a chief minister, he was very considerate towards Kerala and Keralites. I remember our good relationship." (Express Photo)
Kanimozhi with CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat. (Express Photo)
