Leaders across the political spectrum condoled the death of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, hailing him as a deep-rooted mass leader and harbinger of politics of deprived.
Ram Nath Kovind, president: Karunanidhi is a "doyen of our public life" who has few peers
Venkaiah Naidu, vice president: Karunanidhi left a mark of his own during his long public life of about 80 years.
Narendra Modi, priem minister: 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. 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. 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.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress president: 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. Like Jayalalitha ji, Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves to be given space on Marina Beach. I am sure the current leaders of Tamil Nadu will be magnanimous in this time of grief.
Amit Shah, BJP president: Anguished to learn about the demise of veteran politician, M Karunanidhi ji. He had an impressive life journey, starting as a screen writer in Tamil film industry to being five term Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. No one can forget his struggle during Emergency, imposed in 1975. I express my deepest condolences and pray to the Almighty to give strength to Karunanidhi ji's family and followers in this hour of grief to bear the profound loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
H.D. Deve Gowda, JD-S supremo: Karunanidhi was doyen of our public life and his opposition to emergency will always be remembered.
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister: Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell Kalaignar. DMK, M.K.Stalin, Kanimozhi and family. India mourns your loss.
Sitaram Yechury, CPI-M general secretary: Karunanidhi rose to be a political and intellectual leader championing social justice and uplift of the poor and marginalised.
Manmohan Singh, former prime minister: Country has lost a versatile genius who was an outstanding artist, an eminent writer and a true leader who always stood for the cause of the poor and downtrodden classes of the society.
Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress spokesperson: Condolences on the passing away of the of patriach of Tamil Nadu and India, Kalaignar Dr M. Karunanidhi ji. A muti-faceted personality, he was the harbinger of federal politics in India, a saviour of the weakest and deprived, his demise would leave a huge void in Indian politics.
L.K. Advani, BJP leader: Karunanidhi was a doyen of Indian politics who had started his career after independence. He was a man of committed ideals, he excelled in the field of politics and had also made valuable contributions to the Tamil literature.
