‘India lost one of its worthiest sons’: Odisha CM mourns Karunanidhi’s death

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi and said “India lost one of its worthiest sons”. Karunanidhi passed away earlier today at the age of 94 due to prolonged illness.

Naveen also said the DMK President was the “tallest” leader of Tamil Nadu, who has immense contribution to his state and the country.

“With his demise marks the end of an era in Tamil Nadu and India lost one of its worthiest sons,” the CM said offering his heartfelt condolences to the departed soul.

Naveen said: “Karunanidhi as the tallest leader of Tamil Nadu, who played a key role in social change and reforms in his State; in fact, he was much ahead of his times.”

“As Chief Minister of TN for several times, he had made significant contributions in the development of the State and had played a key role in National politics as well. He had also made immense contributions to Tamil literature and cinema,” the CM added.

Naveen also expressed condolences for the leader’s family saying his thoughts were with them in this hour of grief.

“The Chief Minister has prayed peace and tranquillity for the departed soul and expressed deep sympathies with the family members,” a release issued from CMO stated.

M Karunanidhi died at 6.10 pm in Chennai’s Kauvery Hospital earlier today after prolonged illness. “Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond,” the hospital said in a statement, expressing “deep anguish”.

Meanwhile, Naveen has also instructed his party colleagues to attend the funeral of Karunanidhi tomorrow.

Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera and former minister Debi Prasad Mishra will attend the funeral of the late leader on behalf of BJD, sources said.