Highlights: Karunanidhi buried with full state honours at Chennai’s Marina Beach
DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi was buried beside his mentor CN Annadurai on Marina beach in Chennai on Wednesday. Karunanidhi, 94, had passed away at Kauvery Hospital in the city on Tuesday evening. High drama followed his death as the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu refused to allow his cremation at Marina beach in Chennai as demanded by DMK supporters. The Madras high court on Wednesday allowed Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina beach.Here are the live updates:
Karunanidhi buried next to mentor
DMK chief is buried next to his mentor at Marina Beach in Chennai.
Politicians unite at Marina Beach
Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Dayanidhi Maran, Kanimozhi among the political leaders who were
6:40pm ISTStalin, family members pay tribute to Karunanidhi at Marina Beach
MK Stalin and other family members lay wreaths as tribute to Karunanidhi, at the Marina Beach in Chennai. The burial will begin shortly.
6:20pm ISTRahul Gandhi, Chandrababu Naidu at Marina Beach
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu are at Marina Beach ahead of the ceremony.
According to media reports, Stalin, Selvi, Alagiri, Tamizharasu and Kanimozhi are sitting together before Karunanidhi’s last rites.
6:00pm ISTCongress President Rahul Gandhi at last rites ceremony of #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/aOgwpyEJxb
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Kanimozhi arrives at Anna Memorial: Report
Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi arrives at Anna Memorial, say media reports.
5:45pm ISTPuducherry extends 3-day mourning period
The Congress government in Puducherry extends three-day mourning to seven days following the death of DMK leader M Karunanidhi. A cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister V Narayanasamy took the decision to extend the period of mourning to seven days instead of three as announced earlier, reports PTI.
5:40pm ISTKarunanidhi to be buried in engraved sandalwood casket
Karunanidhi’s body will be interred in a sandalwood casket and lowered into the earth at Marina Beach. According to the DMK leader’s wish, the quote -- “The person who had worked without rest is resting here” -- was sculpted on the casket.
5:30pm ISTMS Swaminathan pays homage to Karunanidhi
Former Rajya Sabha member MS Swaminathan pays homage to late DMK chief M Karunanidhi, saying he has great respect for scientists. In a series of posts on Twitter, Swaminathan hailed Karunanidhi and recalled some of his “outstanding” contributions to the society.
5:10pm ISTStalin breaks down during funeral procession
At the procession, Karunanidhi’s family members, including the sons M K Stalin and Tamizharasu, were sobbing, reports news agency PTI.
4:55pm ISTKarunanidhi’s funeral procession crosses statue of DMK founder
Karunanidhi’s funeral procession crosses DMK founder CN Annadurai’s statue in Chennai’s Anna Salai, reports The Hindu.
Supporters who have gathered to pay tribute to Karunanidhi are raising slogans like ‘Kalaignar pugazh vazhga vazhgavey’ (long live the glory of Karunanidhi).
4:30pm ISTStalin leads father’s funeral procession
DMK leader and Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin, accompanied by party leaders, walked ahead of the military vehicle as the funeral procession made slow progress, with thousands thronging the streets.
4:15pm ISTA look at Karunanidhi’s last journey
The late DMK leader will be buried with full state honours in Chennai’s Marina Beach. The body, covered in tricolour, was put on a military vehicle shortly before the funeral procession.
4:00pm ISTFarooq Abdullah, Sharad Pawar pay tribute to Karunanidhi
3:55pm ISTFormer J&K CM Farooq Abdullah, NCP President Sharad Pawar & Congress leader Praful Patel pay tribute to the DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi at #RajajiHall. #Karunanidhi #Chennai pic.twitter.com/mJqQCmVzDf
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Funeral procession begins
Funeral procession of late DMK leader Karunanidhi begins in Chennai. His body will be taken to Marina Beach for burial.
3:11pm ISTTwo killed in stampede outside Chennai’s Rajaji Hall
Two killed in stampede outside Chennai’s Rajaji Hall where DMK leader M Karunanidhi’s body is kept.
2:53pm ISTPreparations underway for funeral of Karunanidhi
2:52pm ISTPreparations underway for state funeral of M #Karunanidhi at Marina beach in Chennai pic.twitter.com/WoMihLXUr7
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Telangana’s KC Rao pays homage to Karunanidhi
Chief minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao pays tribute to M Karunanidhi.
2:33pm ISTSC refuses to stall funeral procession of Karunanidhi
Supreme Court refuses to hear activist’s petition challenging Karunanidhi’s burial at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
2:25pm ISTRahul Gandhi pays tribute
2:24pm ISTCongress President Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to M #Karunanidhi at #RajajiHall pic.twitter.com/yMph9VmZNV
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Roads to Marina Beach, Rajaji Hall closed
All arterial roads to Marina Beach and Rajaji Hall closed to traffic.
2:20pm ISTAkhilesh Yadav, Tejasvi Yadav pay homage
Former CMs Siddharamaiya, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejasvi Yadav pay homage to Karunanidhi.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and governor Sadasivam have also reached Chennai.
2:15pm ISTOver 1 lakh people outside Rajaji Hall
Over one lakh people are waiting outside the Rajaji Hall where the mortal remains of Karunanidhi have being kept for people to pay homage.
2:06pm ISTOne dies after scuffle outside Rajaji Hall
One died in the crowd, 25 people including cops receive injuries after shuffle broke out outside Rajaji Hall. The injured have been admitted to Rajiv Gandhi government hospital.
2:02pm ISTChennai wears deserted look
Busy shopping areas like Pondy Baazar, Ranganathan Street were deserted.
Private bus operators stopped their services to and from Chennai till Wednesday evening
2:10pm ISTKarunanidhi was like father figure, very kind: Sonia Gandhi
In a letter to Karnuanidhi’s son MK Stalin, Gandhi wrote: “I am deeply saddened at the passing away of your revered and beloved father...
“For me, Kalignar’s loss is very personal. He always showed me great kindness and consideration, which I can never forget. He was like a father figure to me.”
2:00pm ISTDeve Gowda leaves for Chennai
Former prime minister and JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda will be in Chennai to pay his last respects to DMK president M Karunanidhi.
1:50 pm ISTStalin appeals cadres to remain calm
Karunanidhi’s son Stalin appeals DMK cadres to remain calm as scuffle broke outside Rajaji Hall where the mortal remains of Karunanidhi have been kept.
Stalin says the government would play game against DMK as Madras HC directed to allocate space for Karunanidhi in Marina Beach.
1:47pm ISTI request the cadre to remain calm, I did not want anything for myself. All I want is a fitting tribute to #Kalaignar: MK Stalin. #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/pSogz8GGDh
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Police block Rajaji Hall entrance
People climb walls in an attempt to enter Rajaji Hall after police blocked Rajaji Hall entrance due to huge crowds
1:40pm ISTConstruction of burial underway
1:16pm ISTConstruction of burial at Chennai's Marina beach for #Karunanidhi, underway. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/fQLnkyNpFs
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
DMK supporter tonsures head
1:08pm ISTCoimbatore: DMK supporter gets his head tonsured as mark of respect for #Karunandhi #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/mu6Ye9iWaz
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Casket in which Karunanidhi will be put to rest
The casket reads “Oivu edukkamal uzhaithavan, idho oivu kondirukkiraan” (The man who worked hard without rest is relaxing here)
1:00pm ISTHuge crowd outside Rajaji Hall
12:48pm IST#WATCH: Visuals of huge crowd at Chennai's #RajajiHall where mortal remains of M #Karunanidhi are kept. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/dQYd0D8qQ1
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Karunanidhi’s final procession to start by 5 PM
Karunanidhi’s final journey to Marine Beach is likely to start by 5 PM.
12:43pm ISTRahul Gandhi reaches Chennai
Rahul Gandhi reaches Chennai to pay homage to Karunanidhi
12:35pm ISTPolice resort to mild lathi charge to clear crowd at Rajaji Hall
Police resort to mild lathi charge to clear the crowd surrounding the mortal remains of Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall.
A portion of a police force was shifted to Marina Beach, the crowd at the hall had swelled.
Commotion continues in Rajaji Hall.
12:21pm IST#Watch: Scuffle between breaks out between Police & crowd gathered at #RajajiHall, police resort to lathi charge. #Karunandhi pic.twitter.com/jBjKdfrNzK
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Personally called PM Modi: Mamata Banerjee on Karunanidhi’s burial issue
12:14pm ISTI was unhappy yesterday, as the govt did not allow the Marina beach burial. I had called the CM but he was unavailable. I also personally called the PM in this regard: WB Mamata Banerjee #Karunanidhi pic.twitter.com/X44z9kmVbc
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Map of Karunanidhi’s burial place submitted by DMK in court
12:08pm ISTKarnataka CM Kumarasamy reaches Chennai
Karnataka Chief minister Kumarasamy and deputy chief minister Parameshwara have reached Chennai.
11:57am ISTKarunanidhi to be buried on right side of mentor Annadurai’s memorial
The body of Karunanidhi is to be buried on the right side of his mentor Annadurai’s memorial.
Bricks, cement is being taking to Anna square. Construction workers are also present.
DMK senior leaders Ponmudi , EV Velu also at Anna square.
11:45am ISTPreliminary arrangements underway in Marina Beach for burial
500 police personnel deployed in Marina Beach as DMK supporters gather in huge number outside Anna Memorial at Marina Beach. Riot control force is also kept ready. Two JCB vehicles also stationed at the beach.
DMK leaders including principal secretary Duraimurugan reached Anna square. PWD officials are also at the spot.
11:41am ISTParliament adjourned as mark of respect to Karunanidhi
As a mark of respect to DMK chief M Karunanidhi, who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, both houses of Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Wednesday.
11:40 am ISTMamata Banerjee pays last respect
PM Modi leaves Rajaji Hall
Stalin, TR Baalu sends off PM Modi.
11:15am ISTPM pays homage to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall
PM pays homage to Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Rajaji Hall.
He meets Karunanidhi’s wife Rajathi Ammal, Kanimozhi and Stalin after paying last respects. Union defence minister Nirmala Seetharaman, BJP state president Tamilisai Sounderrajan accompanied Modi.
11:00am ISTPrime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/IlO5LpP93F
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Court has directed TN govt to establish a memorial for Karunanidhi: DMK lawyer
10:53am ISTThe DMK's plea for the burial of Kalaignar's body near Anna memorial has been accepted by the Madras High Court. The court further directed Tamil Nadu government to ensure & establish a memorial for Kalaignar's: V Kannadasan, DMK's lawyer pic.twitter.com/FEaLbwDnpy
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Stalin cries after hearing Madras HC order, DMK cadres celebrate
Stalin cries as A Raja explains Madras HC order allowing memorial at Marina Beach for Karunanidhi.
DMK cadres celebrate after hearing court order.
10:46am ISTTamil Nadu: MK Stalin breaks down after Madras High Court's verdict to allow the burial of former CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Marina beach. pic.twitter.com/rzgJ4h4fG4
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Madras HC allows Marina memorial for Karunanidhi
TN govt stand declined by judges. Madras HC allows Marina memorial for M Karunanidhi.
10:41am ISTNeed nothing less than 6X6 foot land for a tall leader: DMK
All we need is 6X6 foot land for a tall leader. Nothing else, concludes DMK’s lawyer.
10:35am ISTArguments at Madras HC over
Arguments are now over. Acting Chief Justice begins dictating orders.
10:33am ISTFamily members of Karunanidhi have not approached HC: Justice SS Sundar
10:32am ISTCase against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: The family members of M #Karunanidhi have not approached High Court, Justice SS Sundar points out to DMK's lawyer. pic.twitter.com/N6AgUnkgE5
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Chennai
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Chennai to pay last respects to DMK chief M Karunandhi. He is received at the airport by Tamil Nadu chief minister Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam.
10:31am ISTCourt asks details of permission given for Jayalalithaa’s burial
Court asks govt to show details of permission given for burial of former chief minister Jayalalithaa.
10:13am ISTRapid Action Force deployed outside Anna memorial
10:00am ISTTamil Nadu: Rapid Action Force has been deployed outside Anna memorial at Marina beach in Chennai. Hearing in the case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi is underway at Madras High Court. pic.twitter.com/Cp1hMWtVSa
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Kamal Haasan pays last respects
9:50am ISTTamil Nadu: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan pays last respects to former CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/HFms1zmEE7
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
DMK is pursuing political agenda, says TN lawyer
Tamil Nadu govt’s lawyer says ‘DMK is pursuing political agenda by filing this case. DK Chief Periyar was the tallest leader of Dravidian movement. Was he buried at Marina beach?’
9:44am ISTBench asks why former CM Kamaraj was not buried at Marina Beach
Why former CM Kamaraj was not buried at Marina Beach, asks Madras HC bench.
DMK responds that Congress took a decision to bury him in party house and there were no requests from Congress that time.
9:42am ISTWhen Jayalalithaa can be buried at Marina Beach why not Karunanidhi: DMK
Acting CJ Huluvady Ramesh asks about the permission and the orders related to the burial of late CM Jayalalithaa.
DMK argues when former CM Jayalalitha can be buried at Marina Beach why not Karunanidhi.
9:37am ISTHeavy security outside Anna Memorial at Marina beach
9:32am ISTChennai: Visuals of heavy security outside Anna Memorial at Marina beach. Hearing in the case against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi is underway at Madras High Court. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/jNy0Ifhg9p
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
1 crore DMK followers will be offended if burial land not alloted: DMK lawyer
DMK’s lawyer says, ‘There are 1 crore DMK followers in Tamil Nadu out of 7 crore population of the state. They’ll be offended if burial land is not allotted for Karunanidhi at Marina beach.’
9:30am ISTCase against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: DMK's lawyer says 'You (state govt) have announced state mourning, why not give land for burial? There's no prohibition under Central Govt protocol to allot land at Marina beach for ex-CMs. pic.twitter.com/3Ry2OV2kmx
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
PM Modi to reach Rajaji Hall at around 11 am
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to reach Rajaji Hall around 11 where the mortal remains of Karunanidhi have been kept.
9:15am ISTBurying Karunanidhi near Gandhi Mandapam cannot be termed as a decent burial: DMK
9:10am ISTCase against denial of burial land by Tamil Nadu Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: DMK's lawyer says 'Anna, who is the founder of DMK, used to say my life & soul is Karunanidhi. Burying Karunanidhi next to Gandhi Mandapam cannot be termed as a decent burial.' pic.twitter.com/CO6KIo6eDT
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
TN Govt says Karunanidhi didn’t allot land for Janaki Ramachandran’s burial
9:02am ISTCase against denial of burial land by TN Govt at Marina beach for M #Karunanidhi: TN Govt states in its counter affidavit that DMK chief Karunanidhi himself didn't allot land for former CM Janaki Ramachandran after understanding the protocol manual when Karunanidhi was the CM.
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Govt tells court DMK can’t challenge govt press release
AIADMK govt tells Court DMK can’t challenge press release by Govt expressing inability to allot space at Marina beach for Karunanidhi.
9:00am ISTMadras HC records submissions made by DMK in affidavit
Madras high court Acting Chief Justice records in his order, submissions made by DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi in his affidavit seeking burial land at Marina Beach for Karunanidhi.
8:55am ISTDeepa Jayakumar, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan pay last respect
Deepa Jayakumar pays last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall.
8:44am ISTVCK president Thol Thirumavalavan pays last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/yveGqo7zp3
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
DMK files new affidavit
DMK files new affidavit justifying that there will not be any violations if M Karunanidhi is buried at Marina Beach.
Madras high court dismisses petitions filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, K Balu and Duraisamy challenging construction of memorials at Marina beach, reports ANI
Four out of five petitions withdrawn.
8:26am ISTFormer Kerala CM Oommen Chandy pays homage
8:12am ISTFormer Kerala CM Oommen Chandy pays last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. pic.twitter.com/yssEqrRLl9
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Madras HC hearing begins
TN govt submitted its reply to Madras HC. It says court cannot be intervening into policy decisions.
7:49am ISTTamil Nadu governor pays last respects
Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit pays last respects to Karunanidhi.
7:35am ISTHuge crowd gathers at Rajaji Hall
7:10am ISTChennai: Huge crowd gathers at Chennai's Rajaji Hall to pay last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi. Crowd raises slogans of 'Long live Kalaignar' and 'Need Marina! Need Marina!' pic.twitter.com/pIvBPZyKTE
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Great loss for Tamil Nadu: Chief minister Palaniswami
This is a great loss for Tamil Nadu. My deep condolences to his family members and DMK party workers: Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami after paying last respects to Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Rajaji Hall.
7:00am ISTE Palaniswamy and O Panneerselvam at Rajaji hall
6:30am ISTTamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswamy & Deputy CM O Panneerselvam at Chennai's Rajaji Hall where mortal remains of former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi are kept. pic.twitter.com/WPcwZfWrPN
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Sea of DMK supporters throng Rajaji hall
6:20am IST#Visuals from Chennai's Rajaji Hall where mortal remains of former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi are kept. pic.twitter.com/D4XsRHTd81
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Rajinikanth, Dhanush pay last respects
Rajinikanth, Dhanush pay last respects to Karunanidhi at Rajaji hall.
6:10am ISTRajinikanth, Dhanush pay last respects to former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi at Chennai's Rajaji Hall pic.twitter.com/L5aLRf9rxz
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Karunanidhi’s remains wrapped in tricolour
Mortal remains of Karunanidhi wrapped in tricolour at Chennai’s Rajaji hall.
5:55am ISTMortal remains of late DMK chief #Karunanidhi wrapped in tricolour at Chennai's Rajaji Hall. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/R9hpksPCZG
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Dhinakaran arrives at Rajaji hall
TTV Dhinakaran arrives at Rajaji hall where mortal remains of Karunanidhi are kept.
5:40am ISTTTV Dhinakaran arrives at Chennai's Rajaji Hall where mortal remains of former Tamil Nadu CM M #Karunanidhi are kept. pic.twitter.com/CtQ0vPPpVu
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018
Ambulance carrying mortal remains of Karunanidhi arrives at Rajaji hall
Ambulance carrying mortal remains of Karunanidhi arrives at Rajaji hall amid a sea of DMK supporters and police personnel.
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