Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge visited the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Memorial to honor the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Stalin, accompanied by DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi, paid homage to Karunanidhi, who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1969 until his passing in 2018. Karunanidhi, a towering figure in Tamil Nadu politics, entered the state assembly in 1957.

Congress President Kharge also paid his respects to Karunanidhi, highlighting his significant contributions to Tamil Nadu and the nation.

"On this solemn occasion of his birth centenary, my respectful homage to Kalaignar. A great son of India, immensely loved by the Tamil people, his contributions to public welfare were rooted in the ethos of social justice, equality, and freedom," Kharge said.

"Today, we remember his six decades of service to the people. He not only understood social realities but also championed the cause to alleviate their hardships. Kalaignar Karunanidhi's tremendous contributions to Tamil Nadu and the nation will always be remembered," the Congress leader added.

More About Karunanidhi

Muthuvel Karunanidhi, widely known as M. Karunanidhi, was a prominent figure in Indian politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Born on June 3, 1924, in the village of Thirukuvalai in the then Madras Presidency, Karunanidhi was deeply involved in the Dravidian movement from a young age. He joined the Dravidian movement in the 1940s and quickly rose through the ranks of the Dravidian movement, which aimed to promote the rights and culture of the Dravidian people of South India.

Karunanidhi was a multifaceted personality - a playwright, screenwriter, and politician. His literary contributions, particularly in Tamil cinema, earned him the nickname "Kalaignar," which means artist. He wrote and contributed to numerous Tamil films, and his plays and scripts reflected his strong views on social justice, equality, and the rights of the marginalized.

Politically, Karunanidhi was associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a major political party in Tamil Nadu, which he helped establish in 1949. He was elected to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly 13 times, starting in 1957. He served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five separate terms between 1969 and 2011, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in Indian history.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, Karunanidhi implemented several social welfare schemes and policies aimed at uplifting the economically backward sections of society. He was known for his progressive stance on various issues, including women's rights, education, and healthcare.

Karunanidhi's leadership was marked by his commitment to federalism and state autonomy, advocating for greater powers to be given to the states within the Indian federal system. He was also a staunch advocate for the rights of the Tamil people and took several steps to promote the Tamil language and culture.

Throughout his political career, Karunanidhi faced several challenges, including legal battles and political controversies. His tenure saw periods of both growth and turmoil in Tamil Nadu, and he remained a central figure in state politics until his passing on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94.

Karunanidhi's legacy is remembered for his contributions to Tamil literature, cinema, and politics. He left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu and continues to be revered by millions as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the state.