Tamil Nadu CM Stalin thanks Rajanath Singh for honouring M Karunanidhi on his centenary

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India] August 19 (ANI): DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for honouring former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi on his birth centenary.

“Yesterday Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked to visit the Karunanidhi memorial. He came to Hall and asked everyone to stand and give a standing ovation. I didn’t sleep yesterday due to overwhelming happiness. Rajnath Singh spoke greatly about our leader Karunanidhi in such a way that even our DMK men would not,” CM Stalin said.

“Rajnath Singh was not forced by anyone to speak great about Karunanidhi and no one pushed Rajnath Singh to speak great about Karunanidhi. What union Minister Rajnath Singh spoke yesterday was from the bottom of his heart.” CM Stalin further added.

On Sunday, Union Minister Rajnath Singh along with M K Stalin visited Karunnidhi’s memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai. Rajnath Singh also unveiled the coin honouring Karunanidhi at a ceremony in Chennai.

CM Stalin further criticised AIADMK leader Edapadi Palani Sami for raising questions about the Hindi letters on the coin, saying the coin release programme was a central government programme.

“Edapadi Palani Sami criticised the Hindi letters in the coin released yesterday. He should know about politics, else or even about political affairs, or current affairs etc or atleast even should have a brain. Yesterday’s Coin release programme was a central Governemnt programme where the Union government is permitted to release the coin.” Stalin said.

CM Stalin also clarified the absence of Rahul Gandhi in the event.

“Edapadi Palani Sami had asked why Rahul Gandhi was not called for yesterday’s centenary celebration of Karunanidhi, He should know that this is not organised by DMK but it’s a union government programme. That he doesn’t have this simple knowledge is worrisome.” Stalin said.

On Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed M Karunanidhi as one of the most revered leaders of the country, a titan of Indian politics, an able administrator, an advocate for social justice, and a cultural stalwart.

“It is a great honour and deep respect to celebrate the birth centenary of one of the most revered leaders of our country, Kalaignar M Karunanidhi. I pay my homage to the Kalaingar on his special occasion, a man whose influence was far extended than the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics. A cultural stalwart and relentless advocate of the social justice.” Rajnath Singh said.

M Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for over two decades. DMK leader served five terms between 1969 to 2011.