DMK chief pays rich tributes to late party colleague

DMK President M Karunanidhi today paid rich tributes to his late party colleague and former Minister Ko Si Mani, recalling his ground work in the then undivided Thanjavur district.
Karunanidhi, recuperating at a private hospital here for allergy, said when he was "hesitatingly informed" that Mani had passed away, he had wanted to immediately rush to Kumbakonam to pay his last respects.
"He was a friend, well-wisher and a Minister," he said.
A four-time MLA and a Minister in the 2006-11 DMK regime, Mani died last night following age related illness.
Mani had closely worked with veteran Dravidian leaders EVR Periyar and CN Annadurai and was known for his love for Tamil language, Karunanidhi said in a statement.

He had worked hard as a DMK grassroots level worker in Thanjavur and had greatly contributed for its growth in the region, he said.

"Even though he was not well for the past two years, he would still come and meet me aided by two persons," Karunanidhi recalled.
Meanwhile, DMK ally Congress condoled the death of Mani, hailing him as a 'trusted lieutenant' of Karunanidhi.
"Ko Si Mani was a trusted lieutenant of DMK President Karunanidhi and commanded respect of the people of south Tamil Nadu," TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar said.
Mani was an affable man, he said in a statement.

The Congress leader conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and DMK on behalf of his party.
TMC (M) leader G K Vasan also condoled the death.
Meanwhile, senior DMK leaders, including Treasurer M K Stalin paid tributes to Mani at Aaduthurai near Kumbakonam.