DMK chief Karunanidhi passes away; here is how national leaders react on Twitter

Several chief ministers and leaders of political parties on Tuesday condoled the demise of DMK president M Karunanidhi, saying the 94-year-old leader's passing away was a great loss to the nation.

The DMK chief, one of the foremost Dravidian politicians in modern times, died at a Chennai hospital where he was admitted for the last 11 days.

DMK president M Karunanidhi's body will be brought to the stately Rajaji Hall to enable political leaders, the general public and party cadres to pay their homage.

Karunanidhi's body will reach Rajaji Hall in the Government Estate in Tamil Nadu at 4 am on Wednesday and arrangements have already been made for people to pay their homage.

Meanwhile, the Ambulance carrying Karunanidhi's mortal remains has left from Kauvery Hospital for his Gopalapuram residence. The body will be placed at the veteran leader’s home till 1:00 am.

Post that, the body will be taken to the CIT Colony residence of Karunanidhi's daughter and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi to enable their family members to pay their last respect, the party said in a release.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, here is how political leaders react to DMK supremo Karunanidhi's death on Twitter:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

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

Rahul Gandhi:

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

President Ram Nath Kovind:

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

Arun Jaitley:

Extremely pained by the sad demise of an exceptional politician & mass leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. He was a great human being. His contributions to Tamil Nadu & national politics will always be remembered. My condolences to his family members & the party.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) August 7, 2018

Lalu Prasad Yadav:

In Kalaignar's unfortunate demise. I have lost a long trusted friend/guardian and the nation has lost one of the greatest fighter for social justice. My deepest condolences to family members and his associates. #Karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) August 7, 2018

Devendra Fadnavis:

Pained to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Karunanidhi ji.
He was most popular leader in Tamil Nadu’s politics.
A known writer who always stressed on social reforms.
My heartfelt tributes to this great leader and condolences to his family & lakhs of followers! pic.twitter.com/5WmyhuWEhB

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 7, 2018

N Chandrababu Naidu:

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.

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 7, 2018

P Chidambaram:

In the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi the Nation and the Tamil people have lost a colossus who was more than the 50-year leader of a political party and a five-time Chief Minister.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) August 7, 2018

Piyush Goyal:

Deeply saddened by the demise of one of the most senior leaders of the country Kalaignar Dr. M Karunanidhi. He served people with great diligence & worked for the welfare of the poor & marginalised. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family & his countless supporters.

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 7, 2018

Anurag Thakur:

A leader immensely loved by people, whose work for the welfare of Tamil Nadu spans decades, is no more.

Sh. Kalaignar M #Karunanidhi Ji was a strong voice for regional and national progress; generations will remember him and his ideals. RIP. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/itii3zjk0z

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 7, 2018

Nirmala Sitharaman:

Condolences on the demise of senior leader, former Chief Minister, writer, Tamizh scholar #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi. My condolences to his family and all followers on this immense loss.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 7, 2018

Siddaramaiah:

Saddened by the death of Tamilnadu former Chief Minister and icon of social justice M.Karunanidhi.
My deepest condolences to the family of M. Karunanidhi. Great loss for the nation and especially for Tamilnadu #RIPKalaignar @INCKarnataka pic.twitter.com/x4VoHLSCQ5

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 7, 2018

Sumitra Mahajan:

Pained to learn about the sad demise of Dr. M. Karunanidhi. His passing away is an irreparable loss to country and to the state of Tamil Nadu and marks end of an era. I convey my heartfelt condolences to members of his bereaved family and his supporters across the country.

— Sumitra Mahajan (@S_MahajanLS) August 7, 2018

Shatrughan Sinha:

With the demise of DMK Supremo & former CM of Tamil Nadu, M.Karunanidhi, India has lost a prominent, distinguished leader of the masses, Kalaignar. Sad that we have lost a valuable leader whose commitment & leadership qualities were such that he served as CM of TN 5 times....1>2

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 7, 2018

Omar Abdullah:

Pettiness is the hallmark of some of our political relationships & no where is this more obvious than in the denial of the @arivalayam’s chosen place for #Karunanidhi ji’s last rites. The AIADMK Govt should reverse its cussedness. #Marina4Kalaignar

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 7, 2018

Mamata Banerjee:

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

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2018