Parliament of India

AMN / NEW DELHI

Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today after paying tributes to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief M Karunanidhi. As soon as the Lok Sabha met this morning, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the country has lost a highly popular and eminent public personality. She said his passing away is an irreparable loss to the country and marks the end of an era.

She said Dr Karunanidhi, during his long and illustrious political career, he ably showcased his admirable leadership qualities and worked relentlessly for the cause of the people, particularly the marginalized and downtrodden sections of the society. Describing him as a multi-faceted persona, the speaker said the former Chief Minister rose to become the most celebrated screenwriter in the Tamil film industry, using the cinematic medium to deliver his political ideas to the masses.

Making a reference in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu described him as an able administrator, a dedicated social worker and an outstanding statesman. He said Karunanidhi played a key role in ing the growth and development of Tamil Nadu and the country. The Chairman said Dr Karunanidhi, in his public life, turned out to be a gritty fighter and overcame several challenges. Mr Naidu said as a screenwriter in Tamil film industry, the former Chief Minister touched upon various social issues like widow remarriage, eradication of untouchability and abolition of Zamindari, among others. Later, members in both the Houses observed silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.