PM Modi mourns Karunanidhi's death, calls him a deep-rooted mass leader

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday mourned the loss of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi, describing him as a "prolific thinker and a deep-rooted mass leader" who stood for his people, regional aspiration and national progress.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India. Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu's voice was effectively heard," Modi said in his tweets.

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Modi said that Karunanidhi's understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare was exemplary.

"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 tweeted.

The towering Tamil leader was committed to democratic ideals and his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered, Modi said.

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"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," he wrote.

Karunanidhi passed away at 6.10 pm on Tuesday at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. He was 94.