Karunanidhi memorial: Hearing over DMK demand for Marina Beach burial to continue Wednesday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Karunanidhi a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker and accomplished writer.
![Karunanidhi memorial: Hearing over DMK demand for Marina Beach burial to continue Wednesday](https://sc0.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/large/889598-flnszzrcwh-1533671014.jpg)
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi died in Chennai on August 7 at the age of 94. His death was followed by tributes and condolences from politicians as well as film and sports personalities.
The AIADMK government in the state has denied a site for his burial at the Marina Beach, as requested by the DMK.
Karunanidhi was hospitalised since July 28. Though doctors initially said his health improved, they said on Monday and earlier on Tuesday that the DMK chief’s condition was rapidly declining and that his vital organs were deteriorating. Several national leaders inquired about his health and many others visited him in hospital.
July 27 marked the 49th year of Karunanidhi’s term as president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
1: 30 am: The Tamil Nadu government’s counsel argued that when former chief minister MG Ramachandran’s wife Janaki, who was also a former chief minister, died, Karunanidhi had made it clear that Marina was only for sitting chief ministers, not all former CMs.
A lawyer for activist Traffic Ramaswamy, meanwhile, said that they have no objection to a memorial for Karunanidhi and said their case has nothing to do with it.
1:14 am: After arguments by advocates representing the DMK, the hearing has been adjourned to 8 am on Wednesday morning, giving time for the government to file its reply.
An emotional tribute by Stalin. "For most of my life I have addressed you as leader. Could I address you as Appa (father) once now?" https://t.co/BeAIMAV1hp
— Sruthisagar Yamunan (@sruthisagar) August 7, 2018
12:45 am: According to a reporter from the Hindu, the Madras High Court’s registrar has arrived at the Acting Chief Justice’s residence with the DMK’s case bundle.
Madras HC Registrar (Judicial) Jothiraman reaches Acting CJ’s residence with DMK’s case bundle @the_hindu
— Mohamed Imranullah S (@imranhindu) August 7, 2018
12:10 am: Five petitioners who had challenged Jaya memorial have said they are ready to withdraw the case to facilitate Karunanidhi’s memorial, per reports. But since activist Traffic Ramaswamy refused to withdraw, arguments have begun.
12:05 am: Speaking to the media, DMK’s S Duraisamy said that his petition does not cover the area being proposed for the Karunanidhi memorial, and, moreover, that that spot also would not fall into the Coastal Regulation Zone that would prevent a memorial from being built there.
11:59 pm: According to TimesNow, one of the other petitioners, Traffic Ramaswamy, does not want to withdraw his petition against memorials on Marina Beach.
Petitioner Traffic Ramaswamy confirmed that he is not in favor of withdrawing the petition against burial at Marina. More details by @Ahmedshabbir20 #KalaignarNoMore pic.twitter.com/qExldLu6ur
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 7, 2018
11:54 pm: The Pattali Makkal Katchi’s Balu has also reached the acting Chief Justice’s residence to withdraw his petition against a memorial in Marina beach. The government had earlier mentioned legal and environmental challenges against a memorial on the beach. If the petitions are withdrawn, the legal reason will no longer be valid.
11:51 pm: S Duraisamy, who filed one of the petitions against the Jayalalithaa memorial at Marina beach, has reportedly reached the acting Chief Justice’s residence to withdraw his petition. If all three are withdrawn, the matter will no longer be sub-judice except for the DMK’s petition from tonight.
Petitioner Duraisamy arrives at CJ residence to withdraw petition against memorial in Marina. @thenewsminute
— priyankathirumurthy (@priyankathiru) August 7, 2018
11:49 pm: The Bihar government has announced a two-day state mourning period in the aftermath of Karunanidhi’s death.
#BREAKING -- Bihar government has announced two-day state mourning in the wake of M. #Karunanidhi's death. #RIPKalaignar
— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 7, 2018
Follow live updates here: https://t.co/6HRmhK6qeb pic.twitter.com/sBR84ecGLu
11:44 pm: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalan has called on the Centre to award M Karunanidhi the Bharat Ratna posthumously.
VCK chief Thirumavalavan urges Umion government to accord Bharat Ratna award for @kalaignar89 posthumously #Marina4Kalaignar pic.twitter.com/txmGhwKBQz
— Manoj Prabakar S (@imanojprabakar) August 7, 2018
11:18 pm: TV channels are reporting that counsels for the DMK and the government have arrived at the acting chief justice of the Madras High Court’s residence. Justice SS Sundar has also arrived and reportedly had to walk in because of the crowd of DMK supporters outside. The hearing has begun.
Justice SS Sundar, the second judge, walks into Madras HC Acting CJ’s residence since his car couldn’t go in due to huge crowd of DMK lawyers @the_hindu
— Mohamed Imranullah S (@imranhindu) August 7, 2018
11:10 pm: Reports suggest West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reached Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence and is paying tribute to the five-time chief minister.
#RIPKarunanidhi West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pays homage to the mortal remains of DMK president M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 7, 2018
11:01 pm: Rashtriya Swayamesevak Sangh ideologue S Gurumurthy told CNN-News18 that Karunanidhi should not be buried at Marina beach. “All the former chief ministers, including Rajaji and Kamraj, have been given burial on the other side near the IIT. It is only sitting Chief Ministers who are buried on the Marina Beach. So technically, former Chief Minister should be on the other side where other former CMs are buried,” he said.
10.38 pm: DMK lawyers reach Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice HG Ramesh’s residence. They moved the court demanding a burial spot at Marina beach, alongside other former chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, following the death of Karunanidhi.
Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan had said Karunanidhi will not be buried by the Anna Memorial on the beach. The state government has allotted a burial site at the Gandhi Mandapam in Guindy instead.
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 pic.twitter.com/kQQzHthwcm
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
10.23 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaches Chennai, is expected to go to Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Chennai at 10.30 am on Wednesday. Several other leaders are also expected to attend the funeral.
#JUSTIN மேற்குவங்க முதலமைச்சர் மம்தா பானர்ஜி சென்னை வந்தார்.
— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) August 7, 2018
சற்றுநேரத்தில் கோபாலபுரம் செல்கிறார் மம்தா பானர்ஜி#DMK #Karunanidhi #MamataBanerjee pic.twitter.com/dyMHwJDnQA
10.21 pm: All petrol outlets in Tamil Nadu will be closed on Wednesday, reports the Hindustan Times.
10.12 pm: Congress President Rahul Gandhi joins the chorus seeking space at Marina Beach for the DMK chief. “Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach,” he says.
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. #Marina4Kalaignar
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2018
10.10 pm: Actor Rajinikanth also urges the state government to provide land at the Marina beach. “This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him,” he says.
மதிப்பிற்குரிய அமரர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுக்கு, அண்ணா சமாதி அருகே அடக்கம் செய்ய, தமிழக அரசு எல்லா முயற்சிகளையும் எடுக்க வேண்டும் என்று தாழ்மையுடன் கேட்டுக்கொள்கிறேன். அது தான், நாம் அந்த மாமனிதருக்கு கொடுக்கும் தகுந்த மரியாதை
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) August 7, 2018
10.08 pm: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah says the people of Tamil Nadu will not forgive the state government if it denies burial to the DMK chief at the Marina beach.
A great leader has passed away, he did not only represent Tamil Nadu but India as a whole. He fought for federalism and for Tamil people. The people of Tamil Nadu will never forgive State Govt if it denies burial land which is requested by DMK : Farooq Abdullah on #Karunandhi pic.twitter.com/Ac6aXghvW2
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
9.58 pm: Karunanidhi’s body will be taken to Rajaji Hall in the Government Estate at 4 am on Wednesday, reports The Hindustan Times. It will be placed at his home in Gopalapuram in Chennai till 1 am, and then taken to his daughter Kanimozhi’s home.
Chennai: Ambulance carrying #Karunanidhi's mortal remains on its way from Kauvery Hospital to his Gopalapuram residence pic.twitter.com/SFbmu21hlK
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
9.50 pm: National flag to fly at half mast on Wednesday in Delhi as well as all state capitals, ANI reports. Karunanidhi will be accorded state funeral in Chennai.
National flag to fly at half mast tomorrow in Delhi&all state capitals & throughout the state of Tamil Nadu. It has also been decided to accord state funeral tomorrow in Chennai and national mourning has been declared for tomorrow: Government of India #Karunanidhi
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
9.18 pm: The acting chief justice will hear the DMK’s petition at 10.30 pm.
9.03 pm: The DMK moves Madras High Court seeking space to bury Karunanidhi at the Marina Beach. The party’s advocates seek midnight hearing from acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh.
8.53 pm: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad says the Tamil Nadu government “should not play politics”. “On such occasions, government and parties should be above politics,” he said. “He deserves rightful place even after his demise.” The state government has denied the DMK’s request to bury Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
TN Govt should not play politics. On such occasions, Govt & parties should be above politics. #Kalaignar should be given his due. He deserves rightful place even after his demise: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress, on TN Govt denies land for memorial of #Karunanidhi at Marina beach pic.twitter.com/llBDvw4xZY
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8.52 pm: Workers of the DMK are protesting outside Kauvery Hospital after the state government denied land for a memorial for Karunanidhi at Marina Beach, reports ANI.
Chennai: DMK workers protest outside Kauvery hospital after Tamil Nadu Govt denied land for #Karunanidhi memorial at Marina beach pic.twitter.com/udrGVkKy0P
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8.49 pm: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao says India has lost a political stalwart.
In his death, India has lost a political stalwart and it will be difficult to fill the void caused by his sad demise. Telangana CM KC Rao has expressed his condolences to the bereaved members of the family: Statement
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8.48 pm: The Congress party has lost an important friend, says spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, according to The Indian Express.
8.45 pm: Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan announces a seven-day mourning period and says state honours will be accorded to Karunanidhi. The Indian national flag will fly half mast during the week.
8.40 pm: Reports say Karunanidhi’s body will be kept at his Gopalapuram residence until 1 am.
8.36 pm: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda says Karunanidhi showed the path to regional parties, and calls him a “mature leader and a statesman”.
He had shown the path to regional parties, its a tragic moment for his workers and those who loved him. He was a mature leader and a statesman. Pray to almighty that his soul rests in peace: HD Deve Gowda,Former Prime Minister. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/psi7WYDdc7
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8.30 pm: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will travel to Chennai on Wednesday with party colleagues Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mukul Wasnik, reports ANI.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi along with senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mukul Wasnik to travel to Chennai tomorrow. #Karunanidhi
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8.10 pm: Modi, Chief Ministers of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao, and Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to reach Chennai on Wednesday for the last rites of Karunanidhi, according to News18.
8.03 pm: Hundreds of DMK supporters have gathered outside the hospital to mourn the leader. MK Stalin, in a statement, has appealed to party workers to maintain peace and discipline, ANI reports.
M K Stalin in a statement has appealed to DMK workers to maintain peace and discipline,thanks doctors and the management of Kauvery Hospital #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/ubPzgJbGIJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
8 pm: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami says: “The DMK chief was someone who had contributed to the fields of politics, cinema and literature.” The state government has declared a holiday on Wednesday and a week of mourning following the death of the five-time chief minister.
It is saddening to know about the demise of M #Karunanidhi . The DMK chief was someone who had contributed to the fields of politics,cinema and literature: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami statement pic.twitter.com/k2rZ8RoLGQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018
7.55 pm: Senior DMK leader Duraimurugan says a delegation of party leaders had met Palaniswami and asked for space on the Marina Beach to bury Karunanidhi. However, the government has not yet given them a definite answer, he says outside Kauvery Hospital.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, however, has said that Karunanidhi will not be buried on Marina beach, reports Puthiya Thalaimurai.
7.35 pm: Rahul Gandhi calls Karunanidhi a “great son” of India, who “strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over six decades”.
Loved by the Tamilian people, Kalaignar strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over 6 decades. In his passing, India has lost a great son. My condolences to his family as also to the millions of Indians who grieve for their beloved leader tonight.#Karunanidhi
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2018
7.25 pm: “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,” the Congress party says on Twitter. Some time earlier, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, “Tamil politics can never be the same again.”
News has just come in of the passing of Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi, a giant of Indian politics as CM of Tamil Nadu & a screenplay writer who gave voice to the Dravidian movement through his immortal dialogues. Tamil politics can never be the same again. RIP.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 7, 2018
7.22 pm: More reactions pour in, from BJP chief Amit Shah, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Smriti Irani. Several other political leaders, film, sports and media personalities have also expressed their condolences:
Anguished to learn about the demise of veteran politician, M Karunanidhi ji. 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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2018
A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 7, 2018
On behalf of the United States Mission in India, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Chief Minister Muthuvel #Karunanidhi and the people of Tamil Nadu. He will be remembered for his years of public service to his state and the country at large.
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) August 7, 2018
Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones 🙏🏽 His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir.
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 7, 2018
The Marina should be the final resting place for @kalaignar89 if that is what his family wishes. I hope @CMOTamilNadu will oblige. #Karunanidhi
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) August 7, 2018
A stalwart, a legend, a tall leader, an icon, Muthuvelar Karunanidhi passes away.
— Savukku_Shankar (@savukku) August 7, 2018
It's sad to hear about the demise of Dr. M. karunanidhi, may his RIP and my condolences to his family and friends. 🙏
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) August 7, 2018
RIP Kalaignar Karunanidhi. Among the last of the generations of titans of Indian politics. A secessionist-turned-nationalist who taught India to start trusting regional leaders and parties as patriots
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 7, 2018
The country will always remember this Amazing personality and Leader ,,,Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji for his huge contribution to Tamil Nadu.
— Kichcha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) August 7, 2018
RIP sir.
Saddened to hear the passing of Respected M. Karunanidhi. One of the greats of Tamil politics. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times in my career. When I first became World Champion , he felicitated me & presented me with a chess set that I cherish. #Kalaignar (1/2)
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) August 7, 2018
An era of politics , an era of leadership an era of writing ... #Kalaignar #karunanidhi #ripkalaignar #ripkarunanithi pic.twitter.com/7HNYrFEFet
— G.V.Prakash Kumar (@gvprakash) August 7, 2018
Condolences of the sad demise of Shri M Karunanidhi ji, a senior politician of @arivalayam party, a mass leader & Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
— Poonam Mahajan (@poonam_mahajan) August 7, 2018
The Great legendary Tamil Nadu leader, actor and Human has left us. An era has ended. My deepest condolences to the family & supporters of M.Karunanidhi . #RIPKalaignar
— Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) August 7, 2018
Saddened by the demise of DMK Chief Kalaignar M Karunanidhi ji. My deepest condolences to his family members and supporters. Om Shanti!
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 7, 2018
With profound grief I have learnt about the loss of our beloved Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi one of the best leaders the country has ever witnessed. I hope God gives courage and hope to the family member and fellow Tamilians to cope with this huge loss #RIPKalaignar
— Hansika (@ihansika) August 7, 2018
7.18 pm: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu says Karunanidhi was “one of the leading and long-standing 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”.
I am grieved by the passing away of Shri 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. #Karunanithi pic.twitter.com/a8rZsW9fDz
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 7, 2018
7.10 pm: Actor Rajinikanth says the day when “my Kalaignar died” is an “unforgettable black day”.
என்னுடைய கலைஞர் மறைந்த இந்த நாள் என் வாழ்நாளில் நான் மறக்க முடியாத ஒரு கருப்பு நாள்.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) August 7, 2018
அவருடைய ஆன்மா சாந்தி அடையட்டும்
7.05 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls Karunanidhi “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”. He is expected to reach Chennai on Wednesday for the last rites.
I have had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi Ji on several occasions. His understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/cbMiMPRy7l
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018
7 pm: President Ram Nath Kovind says India is “poorer” today with the death of the DMK chief. “A doyen of our public life, as a contributor to the development of Tamil Nadu and of India he has few peers,” Kovind says.
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2018
6.45 pm: Scenes outside Kauvery Hospital after doctors announced Karunanidhi’s death:
#WATCH A DMK worker broke down outside Kauvery Hospital after the hospital released a statement informing that M Karunanidhi's health had deteriorated further. #Chennai pic.twitter.com/AWnxnWcf0K
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018