A day after Karunanidhi was laid to rest


Chennai: Though the size of the crowd is less when compared to yesterday, the emotions have not gone down. A day after the burial of DMK president M Karunanidhi, party members today flocked the Samadhi and the residence of the patriarch to pay homage.

When News Today visited Anna Square, Gopalapuram and DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in the city, people there were yet to come out of the loss and were mourning the death of the former Chief Minister.

At the place where Karunanidhi was laid to rest, some supporters were taking selfies. “My parents did not allow me yesterday as my betrothal just got over. They instructed me not to attend anyone’s funeral. Today I argued with them to allow me to visit Kalaignar’s tomb at least now,” said Prakash, who was staring at the concrete block covering the burial spot.

“I am an ardent follower of Karunanidhi and how can I be not here even a day after his funeral?” he emotionally asked.

Even as people were paying tributes, work was being carried out by the DMK and the city Corporation to clear the spot and level the ground. “Soon we will raise a temporary shelter to cover the tomb from sunlight,” an official said.

While, Gopalapuram, the neighbourhood for which Karunanidhi was the signature, was in deep silence. People were gathering in front of the house and they were received by DMK working president and Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin.

“We have come to convey our condolence to our Thalapathy,” said a party member at Gopalapuram. He also said that this would be the time for them to stand by Stalin and support him in the absence of his father and leader.

On the other hand, Anna Arivalayam at Teynampet, Kauvery Hospital where cadres were in high emotions in the final stages of Karunanidhi’s life and Rajaji Hall where his body was placed for public view on Wednesday were in dead silence after the loss the Dravidian leader.