Chennai, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday released as ₹100 coin to commemorate the birth centenary of late DMK president M Karunanidhi, and was effusive in his praise of the former Tamil Nadu chief minister, calling him a “titan” of Indian politics. Singh released the coin in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin, son of Karunanidhi, who received it. “Karunanidhi is one of the most revered leaders of our country. A man whose influence extended far beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu.”Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics, a cultural stalwart and a relentless advocate of social justice,” Singh noted. The Dravidian champion’s political journey is a story of resilience, determination and deep-rooted connection with the people. His tenure as a five-time chief minister is marked by his remarkable ability to address the needs of the common people, he said.
While navigating the complex waters of Indian politics, he was not just a regional leader, but a national figure whose influence was felt across the country,” the union minister said. He further said that Karunanidhi, fondly addressed as ‘Kalaignar’, understood that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and identities.
His participation in national politics, his role in coalition government and his interactions with leaders across the political spectrum reflected his commitment to the idea of India,” he added. Karunanidhi’s advocacy for federalism was rooted in his understanding of India’s unity in diversity and he recognised that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate different voices, cultures, and identities. “His insistence on state rights, was a call for a more balanced and equitable distribution of power within the Union,” the minister said.
He further said that Karunanidhi, fondly addressed as ‘Kalaignar’, understood that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and identities. “His participation in national politics, his role in coalition government and his interactions with leaders across the political spectrum reflected his commitment to the idea of India,” he added. Karunanidhi’s advocacy for federalism was rooted in his understanding of India’s unity in diversity and he recognised that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate different voices, cultures, and identities.
Rajnath Singh and Stalin paid floral tributes at the Karunanidhi’s memorial at the Marina here. They were accompanied by DMK MP Kanimozhi, State Minister Udhayanidhi, Union Minister L Murugan and BJP state chief K Annamalai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings on the occasion. Their messages were shared by Stalin on social media platform X. In his message, the PM said Karunanidhi “was a towering figure in Indian politics, literature and society”. “He was always passionate about the development of Tamil Nadu, as well as national progress,” he added. Gandhi said Karunanidhi’s socially progressive vision and unwavering dedication to empowering people paved the way for millions to live a life of dignity.