DMK chief M Karunanidhi – five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who dominated the state’s politics for six decades along with arch-rivals MG Ramachandran and later, J Jayalalithaa – died at a hospital in Chennai Tuesday evening. The 94-year-old leader was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 28 after he contracted urinary tract infection and developed a high fever.
He died at 6.10 pm. “Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond,” the hospital said in a statement.
On July 29, Mr Karunanidhi’s vital signs had weakened triggering huge concern, but the crisis passed within hours. The hospital later called it a “transient setback” and the doctors advised a longer stay, citing “age related overall decline, altered liver function and haematological parameters”.
On Monday evening, his health took a downturn again. In a bulletin, the hospital said maintaining his vital organ functions remains “a challenge” in view of his age-related ailments and the next 24 hours would be crucial.
The body of the DMK president was taken to his home in Gopalapuram in Chennai and was later shifted to his other residence in CIT Colony. It will next be taken to Rajaji Hall for people to pay their last respects. Karunanidhi’s mortal remains will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
