An unprecedented crowd laid siege to Chennai on Wednesday to say goodbye to M Karunanidhi, the president of the DMK who breathed his last on Tuesday evening. The entire funeral arrangements were held as a Government function and with military honours.
What stood out throughout the day at Rajaji Hall where the leader lied in State and at Marrina Beach where was laid to rest at sunset was the sorrow and grief of the family members of Karunanidhi. While M K Stalin the working president of the party who is the second son of the late leader was in command throughout the day and evening, his elder brother M K Alagiri, the Madurai based strongman, chose to play a subdued role.
It was Stalin and step-sister who received Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries at Rajaji Hall. Dayanidhi Maran and Kalanidhi Maran, the grand nephews of late Karunanidhi were seen directing the party activists who came to pay their homage to the leader.
Stalin broke down when he was told about the Madras High Court order allowing the burial of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach. He was consoled by party deputy leader Durai Murugan, described as Karunanidhi’s Man Friday. The crowd which was in a sombre mood till then came to life the moment they were told about the court order. At least for a few minutes, there was a sense of jubilation among the family members
At the Marina Beach, the national tri-colour which was used for draping the mortal remains of Karunanidhi was handed over to Stalin by the Army officers. There was hush-hush discussion why Alagiri, the elder son was not given the privilege to accept the flag.
Selvi, Karunanidhi’s favourite daughter, breaking down during the funeral function was a heart rending scene. It was Selvi who took care of her father and mother Dayalu in the absence of other siblings who were fully into politics and business. She was seen seated between Alagiri and Stalin in the shamiana and had to be carried to the spot where Karunanidhi’s body was placed prior to the burial.
D Jayakumar, the Tamil Nadu minister for fisheries who is also the spokesman of the Council of Ministers represented the State cabinet, which in turn marked the beginning of a new phase in the Dravidian land where leaders belonging to the rival parties do not even acknowledge each other. One of the reasons cited by the AIADMK leadership for the removal of O Panneerselvam from the post of Chief Minister in February 2017 was that he was seen smiling at M K Stalin.
The demise of Karunanidhi could mark the beginning of a new phase in Tamil Nadu politics because the State does not have any more titans, said veteran editor and chronicler N Kalyanasundaram who was watching the funeral function in the media box.