Karunanidhi Death: Kalaignar passes away at 94; Here's what happened on Tuesday
Karunanidhi Death Latest News Updates
DMK president M Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday after prolonged illness. The demises of 94-year-old DMK patriarch came at 6.10 pm. Suspense continues over the place of burial of the Kalaignar after the state government refused to allow his cremation at Marina Beach, as demanded by the DMK. The DMK has challenged the state govt's decision in Madras High Court and the acting justice justice heard the matter at his residence on Tuesday night. The hearing continued till 1:10 am Wednesday after which the acting chief justice postponed the proceedings till morning, The hearing will begin again at 8am today.(This is a developing story, last updated on August 08 at 01:15am)
“With deep anguish we announce the demise of our beloved Kalaignar M Karunanidhi on 07.08.2018 at 6.10 pm. Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond,” Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said in a press release on Tuesday evening
“We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide,” he added.
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Karunanidhi was shifted to Kauvery hospital on July 28 from his Gopalapuram residence following a dip in his blood pressure and he was under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit ever since.
As it happened:
01:10 am: Madras HC postpones hearing till 8am Wednesday morning
11:46 pm: Bihar govt announces two-day state mourning in a mark of respect for Karunanidhi
11:45 pm: Rajinikanth arrives at Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence where DMK chief's mortal remains are kept
11:36 pm: Hearing begins at acting chief justice of Madras High Court on the plea of DMK seeking burial at Marina Beach
11:28 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrives at Gopalapuram in Chennai, meets MK Stalin and Kanimozhi
11:14 pm: DMK workers raise slogans in Gopalapuram hailing Karunanidhi and demand his burial next to Anna memorial at Marina beach
11:08 pm: Tamil Nadu's Advocate General arrives at the residence of Acting Chief Justice of Madras HC. He talked to TN CM for 40 minutes before hearing.
11:05 pm: Hearing on DMK plea to begin shortly
10:47 pm: Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief: Rahul Gandhi
10:46 pm: Rahul Gandhi supports demand for Karunanidhi's burial at Marina Beach
10:43 pm: Lawyers for DMK reach residence of Madras High Court acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh who had agreed to hear today a case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for Karunanidhi
10:15 pm: Tamil Nadu Government must take all measures, for last rites of Karunanidhi to be performed near Anna memorial. This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him. This is my humble request: Rajinikanth
9:56 pm: "On behalf of the US Consulate General in Chennai, I offer condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu and Tamils across the world on the passing of former Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi," Acting US Consul General in Chennai Lauren Lovelace said in a statement.
9:55 pm: United States condoles DMK chief Karunanidhi's death
9:50 pm: Stalin and other family members have gone and asked the CM about it. Duraimurugan and Ponmudi even gave him a letter. He said there are legal complications it seems. The petitions have been withdrawn - so what is the legal complication?: Vaiko
9:48 pm: Tamil Thai's Thavamaindhan Dr Kalaignar has left us all crying. Our hearts are burning, and the TN CM is pouring petrol over it. Without any humanity, the TN CM is denying a burial to Dr Kalaignar next to Anna: Vaiko
9:47 pm: Acting Chief Justice of Madras HC likely to hold special hearing on DMK's plea for Karunanidhi's burial at Marina at 10.30 am: PTI quoting court sources
9:46 pm: It has also been decided to accord state funeral tomorrow in Chennai and national mourning has been declared for tomorrow: GOI
9:45 pm: National flag to fly at half-mast tomorrow in Delhi, all state capitals and across Tamil Nadu as a mark of respect to M Karunanidhi: MHA
09:40 pm: Karunanidhi was a man of committed ideals, he excelled in the field of politics and had also made valuable contributions to Tamil literature, having written stories, novels and multiple volumes of memoirs, says BJP leader LK Advani
09:30 pm: DMK moves Madras High Court against Tamil Nadu government's decision denying space for M Karunanidhi's burial at Marina beach. Madras High Court acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh reportedly agrees to hear case at 10:30 pm.
09:17 pm: Karnataka govt declares one day state mourning tomorrow in a mark of respect for Karunanidhi
09:10 pm: DMK planning to approach Madras High Court over Karunanidhi's memorial at Marina Beach, according to media reports
09:00 pm: Ambulance carrying Karunanidhi's body is being taken to his Gopalapuram residence. After that, the body will be taken to the residence of his second wife, the mother of Kanimozhi. The body will be then kept at Rajaji Hall where people will pay their last respects to the departed leader. Karunanidhi's body will be cremated thereafter.
08:40 pm: DMK workers indulge in violence outside Kauvery Hospital demanding Karunanidhi's memorial at Marina beach
08:25 pm: Congress asks Tamil Nadu govt to respect DMK supporters wish to bury Karunanidhi at Marina beach.
08: 19 pm: Tamil Nadu government rejects proposal to bury Karunanidhi at Marina beach, citing legal issues. Chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan issues statement, saying government is willing to give two acre land near Gandhi Mandapam
08:07 pm: Utter peace should me maintained ,that's the respect which we show to our leader, says Stalin
08:04 pm: Karunanidhi's son Stalin asks DMK cadre not to indulge in any kind of violence
08:02 pm: 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: Rajnath Singh
8:01 pm: 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: Rajnath Singh
8:00 pm: Condoling Karunanidhi's death, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh says his demise is a monumental loss to India’s political landscape.
07:45 pm: Congress president Rahul Gandhi expresses grief over Karunanidhi's death
07:37 pm: BJP chief Amit Shah expresses grief over Karunanishi's demise
07:35 pm: Congress president Rahul Gandhi to attend Karunanidhi's cremation: Sources
07:32 pm: Tamil Nadu declares state holiday on Wednesday. The govt announces seven day's mourning in the state.
07:28 pm: PM Modi to travel to Chennai Wednesday morning, to pay his last respects to Kalaignar Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
07:20 pm: 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: President Ram Nath Kovind
07:10 pm: Today is a black day in my life, one which I can never forget as I lost my #Kalaignar. I pray for his soul: Rajinikanth on Karunanidhi's demise
07:00 pm: Deeply saddened by 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: PM Modi
06:44 pm: Karunanidhi passes away at 94
Karunanidhi Death News Updates Video
06:00 pm: DMK workers weeping outside the hospital
06:00 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to leave for Chennai shortly
05:50 pm: DMK workers seen crying outside Kauvery Hospital
05:23 pm: More police personnel deployed outside Karunanidhi's residence at Gopalapuram in Chennai
05:19 pm: No one allowed inside the hospital, say police
05:00 pm: Tamil Nadu DGP issues circular to all the district SPs and commissioners of police for keeping enough forces ready for maintaining law and order in the state
04:50 pm: DMK workers gather outside Kauvery Hospital after news spreads about Karunanidhi's deteriorating health.
04:44 pm: Karunanidhi's vital organ functions continue to deteriorate, says a press release issued by Kauvery Hospital
02:14 pm: Chennai: DMK supporters continue to gather outside Kauvery Hospital where DMK Chief M Karunanidhi is currently admitted.
02:07 pm: Famous Tamil actor R Sarath Kumar tweeted on Tuesday to pray for the DMK's chief recovery and good health.
01:59 pm:
1:56 pm: Actor Arjun and politicians Kongu Eswaran and K Veeramani arrived at the Kauvery Hospital to inquire about DMK chief M Karunanidhi's health
01:55 pm: According to reports, Internet services have been restricted outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai
01:50 pm: MDMK president Vaiko, Pondicherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and former higher education minister Ponmudi were among those who arrived at the hospital and inquired about the DMK chief's health.
01:49 pm: Security has been beefed up outside the Chennai-based Kauvery hospital, where thousands of DMK supporters have been camping since last night, when the news of his critical condition was released. In a medical bulletin, the hospital had said that Karunanidhi's health had declined and it was a challenge to keep his vital organs functioning.
12:54 pm: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder Vaiko is also present at Kauvery Hospital along with Tamil Nadu Congress leader EVKS Elangovan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin.
12:12 pm: A tight security arrangement is being maintained near Karunanidhi‘s Gopalapuram residence. Barricades have been placed in front of the house and the roads leading upto it to deter a crowd from gathering there.
11:25 am: Supporters gather outside Chennai's Kauvery Hospital where DMK President M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital had yesterday stated a decline in his medical condition.
11:21 am: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy arrives at Kauvery hospital to inquire about Karunanidhi's health. In the last 10 days, several political bigwigs - right from President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and leaders from various parties including the BJP, Left and others - visited the hospital to express their wishes for Karunanidhi's speedy recovery.
09:23 am: The reports of Karunanidhi's declining health has reportedly triggered a hoarding frenzy among locals in Chennai and surrounding areas as people flocked to markets to secure ration and milk before shops close down. Due to the sudden demand, one litre milk is sold at `200 at a shop in Sowcarpet. “Milk is sold at `200 and food items such as bread went out of stock. There are rumours that Karunanidhi is ‘’no more’’, so people are going into frenzy,” New Indian Express quoted a local as saying.
There were rumours that all shops would remain closed on Tuesday. This drove people to the shops. Meanwhile, a few programme scheduled for Tuesday were either cancelled or postponed.
07:10 am: DMK leader Kanimozhi meets people gathered outside Chennai's Kauvery hospital where her father and former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi is undergoing treatment. The hospital stated a decline in his medical condition yesterday.
06:50 am:
06:30 am: A massive crowd of DMK supporters, which had gathered outside the hospital after the medical bulletin last night, stayed overnight.
Soon after the news of a decline in Karunanidhi’s condition spread, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the hospital, including a large number of women, some failing to control their tears, others waving at the TV cameras, preparing for an overnight vigil at the facility in downtown Alwarpet.
Karunanidhi was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on July 28 following a dip in blood pressure, which stabilised following medical intervention. The hospital had, however, said on July 31 that an extended stay could be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters.
A host of dignitaries and political leaders, including President Ram Nath Kovind Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have visited the hospital over the last few days to inquire about the condition of the DMK veteran.
Today visited Kauvery hospital Chennai to see senior leader Sri M Karunanidhi ji. I enquired about his health and wished for his speedy recovery: Nitin Gadkari tweeted on Monday
On Sunday, President Ram Nath Kovind visited Karunanidhi and wished him a speedy recovery.
"Visited Thiru Karunanidhi, met Kalaignar's family members and doctors, and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery," Kovind tweeted.
Earlier, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda also visited Kauvery Hospital and enquired about Karunanidhi's health.
On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed Karunanidhi a born fighter. He made the remark after visiting Karunanidhi at the hospital.
(With inputs from agencies)
