Former President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, BJP President Amit Shah and several other leaders expressed grief over the death of DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi on Tuesday.
"Deeply saddened at the passing away of Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. 60 years a legislator, 5 times CM and a pillar of many coalitions at the Centre, he influenced his state's and the national politics like few others. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers. He will be missed deeply," Mukherjee said in a tweet.
The Vice President described Karunanidhi as one of the leading and longstanding politician of the country who left a mark of his own.
"I am grieved by the passing away of M. Karunanidhi, one of the leading and longstanding politicians of our country who left a mark of his own during his long public life of about 80 years including 56 years as Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly," Naidu said in a tweet.
Expressing grief over Karunanidhi's death, BJP President Amit Shah said that no one can forget his struggle during the Emergency.
"Anguished to learn about the demise of veteran politician, M. Karunanidhiji. He had an impressive life journey, starting as a screen writer in Tamil film industry to being five-term Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975," Shah said in a tweet.
"I express my deepest condolences and pray to the Almighty to give strength to Karunanidhiji's family and followers in this hour of grief to bear the profound loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," Shah wrote in the tweet.
Union Road Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted: "Saddened to know about the demise of Thiru M. Karunanidhi. May His soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu."
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu also took to Twitter and said: "Offer my deepest condolences to the family and supporters of M. Karunanidhiji as his earthly sojourn comes to a close. He was a leader loved by millions both in and outside Tamil Nadu for his contribution towards the society at large. May his soul rest in peace."
Delhi Chief Minister Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condoled the death of DMK patriarch.
CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury in a tweet said: "Kalaignar Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy of seven decades' long contributions to evolving Indian and Tamil Nadu politics. He rose to be a political and intellectual leader championing social justice and upliftment of the poor and marginalised."
"Feel very sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. It's a great loss to the nation," Kejriwal said tweeted.
--IANS
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