Karunanidhi funeral; updates: DMK patriarch laid to rest with State honours as family, followers bid farewell

DMK patriarch laid to rest at Marina Beach

Karunanidhi was finally laid to rest with full State honours at Marina Beach on Wednesday as thousands of mourners including his family members and followers paid their final respects.

Chennai: M #Karunanidhi being laid to rest at Marina beach, next to Anna memorial pic.twitter.com/aGiFXr8xY4

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Burial set to take place shortly

Karunanidhi’s family members paid their respects to the DMK patriarch. The burial is expected to take place shortly.

M #Karunanidhi's family pays last tribute to the DMK chief at Marina beach. Burial to take place shortly pic.twitter.com/hNIW5dkjOy

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Tamil Nadu governor, fisheries minister pays tributes to Karunanidhi

Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit, state minister D Jayakumar and Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan paid tribute to Karunanidhi at Marina beach. The chief minister and deputy chief minister are not present at the ceremony.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, State Minister D Jayakumar and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan pay tribute to #Karunanidhi at Marina beach pic.twitter.com/Mlky1of2pl

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

DMK supporters pay final respects at Marina beach

​Karunanidhi’s followers climb over the ‘Triumph of Liberty’ statue near Anna Memorial to get a better view of Karunanidhi’s funeral procession.

Input by Gina/101Reporters

Karunanidhi’s body reaches Marina Beach

The funeral procession reached Marina Beach where Congress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda are among the thousands present to pay final tributes. The late DMK chief will be laid to rest with full state honours.

EPS-OPS absent from last rites ceremony

Chief Minister EK Palaniswami and his deputy Panneerselvam are not part of those waiting to witness the Kalaignar’s final rites. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar is representing the government at the event. He is seated next to BJP MP from Kanyakumari Pon Radhakrishnan.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Stalin arrive at venue for memorial

DMK working president MK Stalin, who was at the head of the funeral procession with Kalanidhi Maran, enters the memorial. He greeted the string of dignitaries present at the venue and stood with HD Devegowda for a long time as they share a moving moment.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

DMK cadres tonsure heads over demise of their supreme leader

Over 30 DMK workers tonsured their heads to express their grief in the passing of M Karunanidhi in Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district.

Input by Jailani/101Reporters

Funeral procession nearing Anna memorial

Having set off close to two hours ago from Rajaji Hall, Karunanidhi’s mortal remains are nearing Anna memorial. 

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Funeral procession now passing through Wallajah Road

According to a party statement, the procession, which began from Rajaji Hal around 4 pm, will proceed through Sivananda Road and Thanthai Periyar Road to reach Anna Square.

Pictures of the funeral procession at Wallajah road. #Karunanidhi #Kalai pic.twitter.com/gW60kT1q2d

— Anna Isaac (@anna_isaac) August 8, 2018

Epitaph on casket is what Karunandhi told Stalin three decades ago

The golden casket in which the mortal remains of Karunanidhi would be laid to rest will have the engraving in Tamil, “Oivu edukamal uzhaithavan, idho oivu eduthu kondu irukiran”, meaning “one who worked hard without taking rest, is resting in peace here”. According to NDTV , the epitaph is what the DMK patriarch had dictacted to his son MK Stalin about three decades ago.

DMK leader Durai Murugan and Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran present at venue for final rites
The funeral procession of late DMK president M Karunanidhi is currently going on. DMK leader Durai Murugan and Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran are among the several personalities present at the place where the Karunanidhi will be laid to rest.

Input by Guna/101Reporters

Final touches being added to Kalaignar’s grave site
The mortal remains of Karunanidhi will be lowered into the burial pit behind the samadhi of his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai at Marina beach with full state honours.

Image courtesy: Gina/101Reporters

Politicians seated at venue for final rites

DMK general secretary K Anbazhagan, politicians Vaiko, Thol Thirumavalavan, poet Vairamuthu and others are seen seated here, waiting for the final rites of the DMK patriarch.

Input by Gina/101Reporters

Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram home wears deserted look

Kalaignar’s home at Gopalapuram wears a deserted look even as he moves slowly towards his final resting place.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Preparations underway at Marina Beach

Armed forces stand in readiness near the newly prepared grave site beside Anna Memorial.

Mourners waiting outside Anna Memorial

Mourners have been waiting for hours outside Anna Memorial to catch a glimpse of Kalaignar.

The funeral procession is still making its way there.

Input by Prasad/101Reporters

Police struggled to clear Rajaji Hall entrance

The police struggle to clear Rajaji Hall entrance to make way for the open truck carrying Karunanidhi’s body.

Input by Prasad/101Reporters

Mourning the loss of the great artist, Kalaignar: A transwoman’s tribute

Many obituaries are being written in his memory at this moment of great sadness when he has passed away. I, a transwoman, cast away from home and family, one who had to struggle every day, and eventually emerge as India’s first transgender student of engineering, write this note mourning his death. I write this because when I went to college, Kalaignar had wished me well, like any mother and father would, in a write-up in the magazine Murasoli. If not me, who can do justice to write about what he has done for transwomen like me.

When the common public derided transwomen as pottai, ali and ombothu, Kalaignar embraced us fondly and gave us a new name, ‘Thirunangai’, and shielded us from ridicule. When we begged for money on the streets, he keenly observed the sound of our clap and set up a Transgender Welfare Board to address the problems we faced. When violence and discrimination peaked in the country that calls itself the leader of the free world, it was under his leadership that Tiruchi Siva of the DMK compiled the issues in the life of our people and piloted the bill Rights of Transgender Persons Bill in the Indian parliament in 2014. This made the false democracies that oppress people like us around the world hang their heads in shame.

Grace Banu is a technologist from Tamil Nadu and the founder of Trans Rights Now Collective.

Crowds gathering next to the Anna, MGR memorials

As the funeral processions begins from Rajaji Hall, the crowd swells outside the Anna and MGR Memorials which sit next to reach other.

The motorcade is expected to reach here by 4.30 pm. State funeral is scheduled to begin at 5.30 pm and final rights will begin at 6 pm, according to information shared by the DMK.

Input by Guna/101Reporters

DMK patriarch’s mortal remains moved to vehicle by armed forces

Karunanidhi’s remains were moved to the procession vehicle by the armed forces.

His final journey towards Marina Beach begins.

Input by Prasad/101Reporters

Karunanidhi’s mortal remains being taken to Marina Beach

Chennai: Mortal remains of DMK Chief M #Karunanidhi being taken to #MarinaBeach for last rites. pic.twitter.com/0q6j5EOzPE

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Visuals from Karunanidhi’s funeral procession

#Karunanidhi's final journey from #RajajiHall to #MarinaBeach begins; The DMK patriarch will be laid to rest beside his mentor #Annaduria | #RIPKalaignar #MarinaForKaruna #Marina4Kalaignar #LIVE: https://t.co/cgcxooB0bx pic.twitter.com/SQMP90RCbk

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 8, 2018

Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel paid tributes to Karunanidhi

Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah, NCP President Sharad Pawar & Congress leader Praful Patel pay tribute to the DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi at #RajajiHall. #Karunanidhi #Chennai pic.twitter.com/mJqQCmVzDf

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Funeral procession begins

Karunanidhi’s mortal remains are now being moved from Rajaji Hall to Marina Beach.

When Karunanidhi had helped fund a school and library in Mumbai

Karunanidhi had helped fund a school and library in Mumbai 35 years ago.

DMK Mumbai unit incharge R Palaniswamy said the unit invited Karunanidhi. “Not only did he accept our invitation, but also evinced keen interest in our activities and needs,” he said.

“We told him about non-availability of a community school in the Tamil-dominated Dharavi area. We also  told him that lack of funds was a major factor in construction of the school,” he said.

“He asked senior party members to do the needful and ensure that the school is opened. Due to his proactive support, our branch got enough funds which not only helped us build the school, but also purchase office space and books for the school library,” Palaniswamy said. — PTI

‘Man who never rested is now resting’

The words on Karunanidhi’s casket read: ‘The man who never rested is now resting.’

Kalaignar will live on in the hearts and minds of people: Narendra Modi

In Chennai, I paid tributes to an extraordinary leader and a veteran administrator whose life was devoted to public welfare and social justice.

Kalaignar Karunanidhi will live on in the hearts and minds of the millions of people whose lives were transformed by him. pic.twitter.com/torAPw1gUe

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2018

Supreme Court refuses to entertain the plea filed by Traffic Ramaswamy seeking stay on last rites on Marina beach

Supreme Court refuses to entertain the plea filed by Traffic Ramaswamy seeking stay on the last rites of Karunanidhi at MarinaBeach. Ramaswamy had moved SC against the Madras High Court order which allowed to perform the last rites of Karunanidhi at the Marina beach.

Supreme Court refuses to entertain the plea filed by Traffic Ramaswamy seeking stay on the last rites of #Karunanidhi at #MarinaBeach. Ramaswamy had moved SC against the Madras High Court order which allowed to perform the last rites of #Karunanidhi at the Marina beach. pic.twitter.com/II9OwEgUWE

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Army vehicle to carry Karunanidhi’s remains on its final journey arrives

The army vehicle that will carry Karunanidhi’s remains on its final journey towards Marina beach has arrived at Rajaji Hall. ( Input by Sundar/101Reporters )

Karunanidhi’s void cannot be filled up by any other leader: Ghulam Nabi Azad 

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tribute to Kalaignar and said, “Karunanidhi was a national icon — One of the great leaders of our country, great orator, thinker, writer and a great politician. I think he was the only politician who had so many qualities in one person; he always thought of poor people and downtrodden people, of social justice and self-pride. Being chief minister, chief of Opposition he was known and respected across the country. Today he is no more but his work and ideology will remain a guiding factor for all of us. A person like me with whom he was associated for 40 years since I was a youth Congress leader. I would come from North India to take guidance from him. There is a void that cannot be filled up by any political leader. This is a great loss for the country. May god give strength to his family to bear this loss.'

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P Sathasivam, and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala pay respects

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P Sathasivam, and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala paid tribute to Kalaignar at Rajaji Hall. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P. Sathasivam, and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala paid tribute to the DMK Chief at #RajajiHall. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/95p8JMj4Q2

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Preparations for Karunanidhi’s burial underway at Anna Memorial 

Preparations are underway at Anna Memorial for the state funeral of DMK patriarch. (Input by Guna/101Reporters)

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy, Dy CM G Parameshwara pay their last respects 

“CM HD Kumaraswamy and DyCM G Parameshwara paid their last respects and tributes to M Karunanidhi, former CM of Tamilnadu who died yesterday, on behalf of the Government of Karnataka. They also met his bereaved family members and expressed their deepest condolences (sic),” tweets Karnataka chief minister’s office.

CM HD Kumaraswamy and DyCM G Parameshwara paid their last respects and tributes to M Karunanidhi, former CM of Tamilnadu who died yesterday, on behalf of the Government of Karnataka. They also met his bereaved family members and expressed their deepest condolences.#Karunanidhi

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 8, 2018

Ghulam Nabi Azad calls loss devastating, says DMK and Congress are family

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters at Chennai airport that he had known Karunanidhi since he was a young Congress worker and has always thought of him as a model leader. Calling his loss devastating, he said DMK and the Congress are a family and the coalition will continue. (Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters)

Karunanidhi has fought for the people of Tamil Nadu, India lost a big leader: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party leader says that Karunanidhi struggled since he was 14 and he was a true leader. India has lost a big leader today. 

#RIPKalaignar -- @yadavakhilesh and @yadavtejashwi pay their respects to #Karunanidhi. The former then addresses the media and calls the late DMK leader a champion of the poor#RIPKarunanidhi Live Updates: https://t.co/38hAWntuoG pic.twitter.com/JBdst4f80n

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 8, 2018

Two people lost their lives, 33 injured at the stampede at Rajaji Hall

Two people, including a 60-year old female, have reportedly lost their lives in the stampede at Rajaji Hall. A further 26 people, including a policewoman, have been taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital with injuries. (Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Karunanidhi

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leaders Akhilesh Yadav and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav pay tribute. 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to M #Karunanidhi at #RajajiHall pic.twitter.com/yMph9VmZNV

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Chennai:RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and SP's Akhilesh Yadav with MK Stalin at #RajajiHall. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/HCy0H6g3zM

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Indian national flag flies half-mast at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Indian national flag flies half-mast at Rashtrapati Bhavan after the demise of DMK chief. Image courtesy: PTI

Did Palaniswami shoot himself in the foot by objecting to Marina burial for ex-DMK chief?

The question that arises is why EPS had to behave so gracelessly, a pointer to the politics of acrimony and vitriol the DMK and the AIADMK have always practiced against each other. To do so within hours of Karunanidhi’s death came across to neutral observers of Tamil Nadu politics as petty politics and in bad taste.But look at it from Palaniswami’s point of view. He wasn’t thinking of the non-party voter at all. The chief minister saw this as an opportunity to curry favour with the AIADMK cadre that wears its dislike for Karunanidhi on its sleeve. ( Read more here )

Army called in at Rajaji Hall

The army has been called in to protect Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s body at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.

Crowd overwhelms Rajaji Hall

The police estimate that over three lakh people are in and around the venue, with more coming in by the hour. More battalions of city police have been deployed to Rajaji Hall.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Stalin addresses cadres at Rajaji Hall, requests them to maintain calm

“Those who are in power are trying to create chaos, but you have all shown the strength of the cadres. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace”, DMK leader MK Stalin said.

Those who are in power are trying to create chaos, but you have all shown the strength of the cadres. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace: MK Stalin. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/dkQDKEyHB4

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

MK Stalin asks DMK cadres to maintain calm, not do adventurous stunts

“I humbly request the cadres to maintain calm and hold the Dravidian values. I do not want anything for myself all I want is a fitting tribute to my leader and that is why I went to chief minister’s E Palaniswami’s residence yesterday. But he refused our demand for resting place for Kalaignar at Marina Beach and we were very upset with the CM’s decision. But I request you all to cooperate with us to make this final journey of Karunanidhi memorable,” says MK Stalin as he addresses the crowd at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.

In pics: DMK supporters climb over Rajaji Hall’s walls after police blocks entrance

People climb walls in an attempt to enter Rajaji Hall after police blocked hall entrance due to the swelling crowd

Construction of Kalaignar Memorial is underway at Marina Beach

Construction of a burial memorial at Chennai’s Marina beach for former Tamil Nadu chief minister Karunanidhi is underway

Construction of burial at Chennai's Marina beach for #Karunanidhi, underway. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/fQLnkyNpFs

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

HD Kumaraswamy reaches Rajaji Hall; many other leaders land in Chennai to pay respects to Karunanidhi 

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has arrived at Rajaji Hall whereas Akhilesh Yadav, Siddaramaiah and K Chandrasekar Rao have landed at the Chennai airport.

Input by Dhanabalan/101Reporters

Mallikarjun Kharge writes letter to MK Stalin condoling Karunanidhi’s death

Mallikarjun Kharge, former Union Minister and MP, writes to MK Satlin condoling the demise of M Karunanidhi. 

Mallikarjun Kharge, former Union Minister and MP, LoP Lok Sabha, writes to @mkstalin, condoling the demise of @kalaignar89. pic.twitter.com/yuVxatweLg

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 8, 2018

Tamil Nadu govt will not challenge Madras HC’s decision in Supreme Court

We have accepted the Madras HC judgment, will not challenge it: TN Attorney General Vijay Narayan. This followed news reports that quoted sources saying the government was considering moving to the Supreme Court against the high court decision.

Input by Dhanabalan/101Reporters

DMK supporters in Coimbatore get head tonsured as mark of respect for Karunanidhi

DMK supporters got their head tonsured as mark of respect for late DMK leader M Karunanidhi

Coimbatore: DMK supporter gets his head tonsured as mark of respect for #Karunandhi #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/mu6Ye9iWaz

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Watch: Scuffle between breaks out between police and crowd gathered at Rajaji Hall,

Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the swelling crowd at Rajaji Hall. 

#Watch: Scuffle between breaks out between Police & crowd gathered at #RajajiHall, police resort to lathi charge. #Karunandhi pic.twitter.com/jBjKdfrNzK

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Karunanidhi’s coffin arrives at Rajaji Hall, has epitaph written by him

Karunanidhi’s coffin carries the epitaph he penned for himself over three decades ago. “Resting here is a man who worked without rest.”

Image sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Karunanidhi’s funeral procession to leave Rajaji Hall at 4:30 pm 

The funeral procession of M Karunanidhi is expected to leave Rajaji Hall at 4.30 pm and make its way to Anna Memorial.

Input by Dhanabalan/101Reporters

Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit pays his final respects to Karunanidhi

Tamil Nadu governor Banwari Lal Pirohit paid his last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai. 

Image courtesy: Raj Bhavan

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh writes a letter to MK Stalin condoling Karunanidhi’s death

Former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh wrote a letter to DMK president MK Stalin on Wednesday condoling the passing away of Karunanidhi.

Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, writes to Thiru @mkstalin, President DMK, condoling the passing away of @kalaignar89. pic.twitter.com/Zlle2nD7xB

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 8, 2018

Sonia Gandhi writes to MK Stalin condoling Karunanidhi’s death

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to DMK President MK Stalin condoling the passing away of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi. “I believe he had full confidence that you would nurture and take forward his legacy,” she writes.

UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi writes to Thiru @mkstalin, President DMK, condoling the passing away of @kalaignar89. pic.twitter.com/XTu9qesJJc

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 8, 2018

DMK leaders inspect construction work at Marina Beach

Senior DMK leaders KN Nehru, Duraimurugan and I Periasamy inspect the construction work under progress at Anna Memorial on Marina Beach in Chennai.

Image sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

DMK cadre throng Kalaignar memorial site at Marina Beach 

The law and order situation is getting chaotic at Karunanidhi’s burial site at Marina Beach as supporters have thronged the venue in large numbers forcing the police to resort to lathicharge, IndiaToday reported.

I was unhappy as the TN govt did not allow Marina beach burial for Karunanidhi: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Mamata Banerjee says she called Narendra Modi on Tuesday to express disappointment over Tamil Nadu government’s denial to bury Karunanidhi’s body at Marina Beach in Chennai. TMC leader Derek O’Brien will represent the party at the ex-DMK chief’s funeral.

I was unhappy yesterday, as the govt did not allow the Marina beach burial. I had called the CM but he was unavailable. I also personally called the PM in this regard: WB Mamata Banerjee #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/X44z9kmVbc

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Construction for Kalaignar memorial starts at Marina Baeach

The Madras High Court has given orders for a memorial to be built for Karunanidhi inside the Anna Memorial premises at Marina Beach in Chennai. 

Watch: Construction material for Kalaignar memorial arrives at Marina Beach

Vehicles carrying sand, bricks and other construction materials arrive at the Anna Memorial.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha djourned for the day as mark of respect for Karunanidhi

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Both the houses were adjourned for the day due to the passing away of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi.

With profound sorrow, I've to inform the House about the sad demise of #Karunanidhi who passed away on 7 Aug 18. He served as CM of Tamil Nadu for 5 times. In his demise, country has lost highly popular & eminent personality: Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha speaker, earlier today pic.twitter.com/N0qUSnoLhQ

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Madras High Court approves plan for Karunanidhi’s memorial at Marina Beach

Madras High Court approves the plan for Kalaignar memorial within the premises of Anna Memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai.

Sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

DMK supporters celebrate at Anna Memorial on Marina Beach

Supporters celebrate by riding on top of the construction vehicles that have arrived at Anna Memorial on Marina Beach.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Watch: Supporters cheer as work on Karunanidhi’s memorial starts at Marina Beach

Loud cheering outside Anna Memorial as a JCB arrives to begin work on Karunanidhi’s memorial.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

DMK members arrive at Anna Memorial to see to burial preparations

A team of DMK party members have arrived at Anna Memorial to work out the logistics of how and where Karunanidhi is to be buried.

In Pics: DMK supporters scale fence to get a glimpse of Karunanidhi’s mortal remains at Rajaji Hall

The crowd of mourners and DMK supporters has started scaling the fence around Rajaji Hall in order to be able to get in to see the mortal remains of Kalaignar.

Input by Sundar/101Reporters

Narendra Modi pays his last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Rajaji Hall. Modi spoke to MK Stalin and Kanimozhi after paying last respects to Kalaignar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/IlO5LpP93F

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajaji Hall 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Chennai’s Rajaji Hall where he would pay his last respects to the late DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi.

Madras High Court orders for a memorial to be created for Karunanidhi post his burial at Marina Beach

DMK’s plea for the burial of Kalaignar’s body near Anna memorial has been accepted by the Madras High Court. The court further directed Tamil Nadu government to ensure and establish a memorial for M Karunanidhi, said V Kannadasan, DMK’s lawyer.

Stalin, Kanimozhi break down as Madras High Court orders for Karunanidhi’s at Marina Beach

MK Stalin was seen crying along with other DMK leaders as the news of the High Court rder allowing for M Karunanidhi’s burial at marina Beach came in. There was loud cheering by mourners gathered at the hall. 

Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin breaks down after Madras High Court's verdict to allow the burial of former CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Marina beach. pic.twitter.com/rzgJ4h4fG4

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Madras High Court orders Tamil Nadu govt to make space at Marina Beach for Karunanidhi’s burial

The Tamil Nadu government has been ordered to allocate space for M Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina Beach in Chennai.

Madras High Court allows Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina Beach

The Madras High Court has allowed Kalaignar M Karunanidhi to be buried near the Anna Memorial at the Marina Beach in Chennai.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101 Reporters

Narendra Modi lands at Chennai Airport, received by CM, deputy CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Chennai to pay his respects to late DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

Image courtesy: ANI

In pics: Sivakumar and Suriya pay respects at Rajaji Hall

Actors Sivakumar and Suriya pay respects to late Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai. 

Image sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

In pics: Rajnikanth’s family pays respects at Rajaji Hall

Rajinikanth, his wife Latha Rajinikanth, daughter Aishwarya Dhanush and her husband Dhanush pay their last respects to M Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.

Image sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101 Reporters

Narendra Modi arrives at Chennai airport, accompanied by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Prime Minister Modi arrives at Chennai airport. He will be taken via helicopter to the INS helipad from where he will proceed by road to Rajaji Hall. He is accompanied by Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

This is trial by media: Tamil Nadu govt

The government lawyers continue to argue that the demand for space in Marina is against the very philosophy of Kalaignar. This is trial by media, they say. Judge S S Sundar questions the government about the direction of their arguments. He says, the government mentioned that there are legal complications to the issue but instead of explaining what these are, the government is making contrary statements.

Input by Dhanabalan/101Reporters

RAF deployed near Anna memorial in Marina

Rapid Action Force has been deployed outside Anna memorial at Marina beach in Chennai. Hearing in the case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for Karunanidhi is underway at Madras High Court.

VIPs arrive to pay last tributes to M Karunanidhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (arrival time 10.20 am)
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi (12.45 pm)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (12.35 pm)
Kerala Governor Sathasivam (1.30 pm)
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (1.30 pm)
Kerala leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala (1.30 pm)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Ghulam Nabi Azad (12.40 pm)
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy (12.30 pm)
Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao (10.30 am)
Former Karanataka CM Veerappa Moily (12.40 pm)
Former Odisha Finance Minister Shashidhusan Behera (2.05 pm)
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu (2.20 pm)

I can barely hold back my tears: Kamal Haasan

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan arrived at Rajaji Hall to pay homage to Karunanidhi. “I express my condolences. I came to bow down and pay my respects to him. I don’t want to comment on the burial issue, I can barely hold back my tears,” says Kamal Haasan.

#Tamil actor-turned-politician #KamalHaasan pays last respects to #DMK chief M #Karunanidhi at #Chennai's #RajajiHall. Follow #LIVE updates on #Karunanidhideath here: https://t.co/d7TucFhpf0 pic.twitter.com/lG2EyD4h7I

— Firstpost (@firstpost) August 8, 2018

Withdrawal of cases against Marina burials ‘stage-managed’: Govt lawyer

Senior government lawyer CS Vaidyanathan condemns the “stage-managed” withdrawal of cases against Marina burials. Advocate S Doraiswamy registers strong objection to the phrase ‘stage managed’.

Input by Dhanabalan/101Reporters

#Karunanidhi #burial row in #MadrasHC: Senior govt lawyer CS Vaidyanathan condemns the "stage-managed" withdrawal of cases against #Marina burials. Advocate S Doraiswamy registers strong objection to the phrase 'stage managed'. Follow #LIVE updates here: https://t.co/mOGxQaHFc8 pic.twitter.com/59MT35VHpD

— Firstpost (@firstpost) August 8, 2018

Was Periyar buried at Marina, asks Tamil Nadu govt lawyer 

Tamil Nadu government’s lawyer accuses DMK of pursuing political agenda by filing this case. “DK Chief Periyar was the tallest leader of Dravidian movement. Was he buried at Marina beach?” asks the state government lawyer.

Case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: Tamil Nadu govt's lawyer says 'DMK is pursuing political agenda by filing this case. DK Chief Periyar was the tallest leader of Dravidian movement. Was he buried at Marina beach?' pic.twitter.com/IOO8oDb4eM

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

1 crore DMK followers will be upset if Karunanidhi isn’t buried at Marina: DMK lawyer tells state govt

DMK’s lawyer says, “There are 1 crore DMK followers in Tamil Nadu out of 7 crore population of the state. They’ll be offended if burial land is not allotted for Karunanidhi at Marina beach. You (Tamil Nadu government) have announced state mourning, why not give land for burial? There’s no prohibition under central government protocol to allot land at Marina beach for former chief ministers.”

Case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: DMK's lawyer says, 'There are 1 crore DMK followers in Tamil Nadu out of 7 crore population of the state. They'll be offended if burial land is not allotted for Karunanidhi at Marina beach.' pic.twitter.com/oHvhXUqYOW

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Flimsy reasons given by government lawyers

​ DMK’s lawyer says “Anna, who is the founder of DMK, used to say my life & soul is Karunanidhi. Burying Karunanidhi next to Gandhi Mandapam cannot be termed as a decent burial.”

Case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: DMK's lawyer says 'Anna, who is the founder of DMK, used to say my life & soul is Karunanidhi. Burying Karunanidhi next to Gandhi Mandapam cannot be termed as a decent burial.' pic.twitter.com/CO6KIo6eDT

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Security beefed up at Anna Memorial

Security has tightened at the Anna Memorial at Marina Beach. The public is not being allowed into the memorial and the police have cordoned off the entrance.

Input by Guna/101Reporters

Govt lawyers cite Karunanidhi’s example when he didn’t allot land for ex-CM Janaki Ramachandran

Tamil Nadu governmnet says in its counter affidavit that late DMK chief Karunanidhi himself didn’t allot land for former chief minister Janaki Ramachandran after understanding the protocol manual when Karunanidhi was the chief minister.

Case against denial of burial land by TN Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: TN Govt states in its counter affidavit that DMK chief Karunanidhi himself didn't allot land for former CM Janaki Ramachandran after understanding the protocol manual when Karunanidhi was the CM.

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Decision on burial need not be delivered on emergency basis, say govt lawyers

The government lawyers argued that the decision about the burial need not be delivered today on an emergency basis. However, the court can decide to deliver the judgment whenever it pleases, they said. The judges intervened to say under the circumstances it is not possible to delay the judgement any longer and it will have to be arrived at soon.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Acting Chief Justice records submissions

Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice records in his order, submissions made by DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi in his affidavit seeking burial land at Marina beach for Karunanidhi.

Over 130 Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed at Rajaji Hall

VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan pays last respects to Karunanidhi

VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan pays last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/yveGqo7zp3

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Madras High Court assures speedy decision

Based on the response filed by the lawyers representing Tamil Nadu government and taking in consideration “the truth of the situation”, the court will deliver a speedy decision, the Madras High Court has said.

Right now, the judges are studying if the responses filed by the government meet demands of the petition filed by the DMK lawyers last night.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

HC dismisses petitions

Madras High Court dismisses petitions filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, K Balu and Duraisamy challenging construction of memorials at Marina beach. 

Case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: Madras High Court dismisses petitions filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, K Balu & Duraisamy challenging construction of memorials at Marina beach. pic.twitter.com/lP6smWeM26

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy pays last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall

Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy pays last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/yssEqrRLl9

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Your infectious passion for Tamizh will stay with us: AR Rahman

You may have left this earth but your infectious passion and love for Tamizh will stay and reflect with us forever…Deep Respect ! #Karunanidhi

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 7, 2018

Traffic Ramaswamy files memorandum that he has no objection to Karunanidhi’s burial in Marina

Madras High Court directs Traffic Ramaswamy’s lawyer to file memorandum that he has no objection to bury Karunanidhi’s body at Marina beach. Lawyer submits the memorandum to the Acting Chief Justice.

Courts cannot interfere in the state’s decision: Govt lawyers tell Madras HC bench

Government lawyers argue that the courts cannot interfere in the state’s decision in this regard. They cite the case of former chief minister K Kamaraj who isn’t buried at Marina.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Litigant withdraw case, say no objection to Marina burial

All five petitions filed against the allocation of burial space at Marina have been withdrawn by the litigants

Traffic Ramaswamy has no objections to Karunanidhi given burial space at Marina, lawyers argue

Lawyer of petitioner Traffic Ramaswamy says, “We have no objection to the burial land for Karunanidhi”. Acting Chief Justice tells the lawyer to withdraw the case.

Case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: Lawyer of petitioner Traffic Ramaswamy says 'We have no objection to the burial land for Karunanidhi'. Acting Chief Justice says to the lawyer 'Withdraw your case'.

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

TN govt Counsel with battery of DMK lawyers present at Court 1 of Madras HC

Tamil Nadu government counsel CS Vaidyanathan, AAGs PH Arvindh Pandian and SR Rajagopal are at Court 1 of the Madras High Court, along with NR Elango and a battery of DMK lawyers.

Hearing in the case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu government at Marina beach for M Karunanidhi begins

The hearing in Madras High Court has begun. Government lawyers are arguing that two acres of land for a memorial has been allocated in Guindy’s Gandhi Mandapam in accordance with union government laws. Karunanidhi will be buried with full state honours.

Tamil Nadu government has also filed its counter affidavit in the case. 

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Police presence around Marina Beach intensified

As the Madras High Court verdict will decide whether Karunanidhi will be buried at the Marina Beach, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified security around the area. 

Sourced by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Advocates arrive at Madras High Court

Additional Advocate General Arvindh Pandian and senior lawyer C S Vaidyanathan have arrived at the Madras High Court. Hearing set to begin soon.

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Judges on their way to Madras High Court to hear Karunanidhi burial row

The Madras High Court hearing will begin at 8 am sharp. The judges are on their way their way to the high court premises 

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Watch: Rajnikanth and Dhanush arrive at Rajaji Hall to pay their last respects to Karunanidhi

Input by Abdul Kadar Mydeen/101Reporters

Hearing on Karunanidhi burial row to begin shortly in Madras High Court

The Madras High Court on Wednesday morning at 8 am would decide on the DMK’s plea against Tamil Nadu’s government’s decision to deny burial of the party president M Karunanidhi’s body at Marina Beach.

Hearing the plea late Tuesday night , the court directed the state government and the Chennai Corporation to file their replies and adjourned the case to Wednesday morning 8 am.

In pictures: Three tall leaders of south Indian politics Karunanidhi, Periyar and Anna Durai​​

Seen here together are M Karunanidhi, Periyar and Anna Durai, famous leaders of the Dravidian movement. 

Three rationalists who were committed principles of social justice and changed the course of history for Tamil Nadu.

From Left to Right, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Periyar and Anna pic.twitter.com/9c5I4phrBO

— Indian Atheists (@IndianAtheists) August 7, 2018

Burial Row: Madras HC to resume hearing at 8 am

The Madras High Court will resume hearing a plea seeking burial space at Marina beach. The hearing was adjourned to 8 am this morning. The government, which has opposed the move, has allotted space at Gandhi Mandapam in Guindy. Earlier on Tuesday, Karunanidhi’s children and DMK leaders MK Stalin, MK Alagiri and MK Kanimozhi had visited Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami and requested their father to be buried near Anna Samadhi, the memorial of C N Anna durai. The CM, however, refused to grant them permission.

Karunanidhi’s body at Rajaji Hall: EPS, OPS pay homage

Chief Minister E Palaniswami and deputy chief minister O Pannerselvam paid their last respect to Karunanidhi. Palaniswami was accompanied by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambi Durai, Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan, AIADMK MLA D Jayakumar and other AIADMK members.

கலைஞர் உடலுக்கு முதலமைச்சர் எடப்பாடி பழனிசாமி அஞ்சலி https://t.co/kvytFBRi5T

— Polimer News (@polimernews) August 8, 2018

We want Marina, scream thousands of Karunanidhi supporters

As leaders of Tamil Nadu make beeline to pay homage to DMK chief M Karunanidhi, thousand of Kalaignar supporters have been raising slogans, “Marina venu (We want Marina)”, demanding that the DMK chief be laid to rest just like other political stalwarts of the state.

No time for politics, says TTV on Marina Beach burial row

According to The Hindu, AIADMK’s rebel leader TTV Dhinakaran was the first to pay homage to Karunanidhi. “I don’t want to comment on giving space to Kalaignar at Marina. This is not the time for politics. Karunanidhi is a tall leader. It would not be appropriate to comment on it, since, the Madras High Court has seized of the matter at 8 am. I hope things will be fine,” Dhinakaran was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Mortal remains of Karunanidhi wrapped in Tricolour at Chennai’s Rajaji Hall

Mortal remains of late DMK chief #Karunanidhi wrapped in tricolour at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/R9hpksPCZG

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, KCR and Chidambaram expected at the funeral

“Deeply saddened by the 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,” Modi said in a series of tweets.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to condole Karunanidhi’s death.

“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,” he said on Twitter.

Both Modi and Rahul, besides a host of other leaders are expected to arrive in Chennai today to pay their last respects to the departed doyen of Tamil Nadu politics.

Deeply saddened by the 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. pic.twitter.com/jOZ3BOIZMj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018

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

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

Rajinikanth, Dhanush pay last respects to Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Rajaji Hall

Karunanidhi’s death marks formal end to Dravidian ideology

Srinivasa Prasad in a Firstpost editorial says:

“At a time when Jayalalithaa unleashed vengeful madness on political foes and the media, Karunanidhi had a sane voice and a cool wit that left smiles on a million faces. The vacuum that Queen Bee’s death left behind has only doubled with the exit of King Kong. But Karunanidhi can smile even in death. The December 2016 demise of his sworn rival was not only shrouded in controversy but even left her legacy in shatters, with EPS, OPS and many hopeless people claiming credit for it. But Karunanidhi has a ready political inheritor in Stalin, even if that in no way lessens the void that follows his departure. What the new political entrants Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth can or will do in the aftermath of the exit of the last giant of Tamil politics is still an imponderable. It’s reasonably safe to presume that the death of the titan may potentially begin a churn in the voters’ minds and radically change electoral choices in a politically volatile state which swears by sub-regional loyalties and mawkish sentiments.”

Only just if Anna, MGR and Kalaignar are allowed to rest nearby: Kamal Haasan

Politicians and actors came out in support of DMK’s demand that Karunanidhi be buried at the Marina beach where political stalwarts like Annadurai and MGR were laid to rest. Former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa was buried at the Marina Beach too. 

Defending DMK’s claim, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted and said, “When Anna was alive, it was Kalaignar and MGR as two brothers who worked hard to strengthen the party. It is only just that all three are allowed to rest nearby. It is sad, that people who came into the party after MGR do not possess that noble quality. Had MGR been alive and Kalaignar had passed away, MGR would have made Kalaignar to rest next to Anna.”

pic.twitter.com/PELLYfvYHv

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 7, 2018

DMK chief ‘saw cinema as medium for reform’

Firstpost editorial says , “MGR was the first actor to really become a mass hero, primarily through the scripts written by Karunanidhi. He was always projected as a virtuous do-gooder who stands with the downtrodden, loves his mother, has family values and upholds women’s rights. MGR never endorsed alcohol in any of his films, which created an aura around him. This got DMK the all-important vote bank of women. The image of a Tamil mass hero has changed with times, but the MGR formula still rules, as seen by the success of Rajinikanth and later of Vijay and Ajith.”

Karunanidhi’s mortal remains reach Rajaji Hall

Chennai: Ambulance carrying mortal remains of former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi arrives at Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/y2t5WPfndy

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018

Son Alagiri and DMK leader A Raja reach Rajaji Hall

As thousands await Karunanidhi’s mortal remains at Rajaji Hall in Chennai, reports said that DMK chief’s son Alagiri and DMK leader A Raja, accused in the 2G scam who recently got acquitted, have reached Rajaji Hall. 

Chennai: #Karunanidhi's son MK Alagiri and DMK leader Andimuthu Raja arrive at Rajaji Hall in Chennai where mortal remains of the late Tamil Nadu CM are being brought pic.twitter.com/QwCQTci7uT

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2018