Political leaders mourn death of DMK patriarch Karunanidhi

Karunanidhi, a five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who had switched to politics from screenwriting, died at an age of 94.

He passed away at 6-10 pm, Kauvery Hospital in Chennai where he was admitted, confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is likely to arrive at Chennai on Wednesday, tweeted, "My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the country has lost "a great son". He tweeted, "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."

Expressing her condolences, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell @Kalaignar89. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, @arivalayam, @mkstalin, @KanimozhiDMK and family. India mourns your loss"

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu tweeted, "Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi ji. The nation has lost a great leader on this day. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."

Tweeting some of the old pictures of Karunanidhi with Left politicians, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, "Kalaignar Karunanidhi leaves behind a rich legacy of seven decades long contributions to evolving Indian & TN politics. He rose to be a political & intellectual leader championing social justice & upliftment of the poor & marginalised."

In a follow up tweet, Yechury added in saying that he learnt "immensely from his understanding of rationalism, humanism and Indian diversity". His tweet reads, "In a personal association of over two decades, I have learnt immensely from his understanding of rationalism, humanism and Indian diversity. He leaves behind a big void. A huge loss. Heartfelt condolences. @mkstalin @KanimozhiDMK @arivalayam"

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, "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."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in a tweet, "Only once in a while you see a visionary leader like @kalaignar89, who championed the cause of social activism and federalism. My respect to a giant soul who departed for heavenly abode. My condolences are with family and fans of Shri #Karunanidhi."

In a tweet, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Feel v sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation."

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, "Our heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. His passing is a great loss to the nation. May his soul rest in peace."

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of one of the tallest leader of the country and icon of social justice & Dravidian politics Kalaignar #Karunanidhi Ji. He shall be remembered forever and ever. Deepest condolences to DMK family."

During Karunanidhi's political life in the last few decades, his formidable opposition was AIADMK's J Jayalalithaa, who passed away in late 2016.

Karunanidhi's political career was not free of controversies as several corruption charges were leveled against him and his party and family members, many of whom joined politics.

His son M K Stalin is his political successor.