DMK Chief Lauds Rajnath Singh for Honoring M Karunanidhi's Legacy

DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin praised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for honoring former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi on his birth centenary. Singh's heartfelt tribute included a visit to Karunanidhi’s memorial and the unveiling of a commemorative coin, despite criticism from AIADMK leader Edapadi Palani Sami.

DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for honoring former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on his birth centenary. Stalin noted that Singh's visit to the Karunanidhi memorial and his request for a standing ovation were deeply moving. 'Rajnath Singh spoke in such high regard for our leader Karunanidhi that his words surpassed those of our own DMK members,' Stalin remarked.

Stalin emphasized that Singh's comments were made from the heart and were not influenced by any external pressures. On Sunday, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by M K Stalin, visited Karunanidhi's memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai. Singh also unveiled a commemorative coin in honor of Karunanidhi during a ceremony in Chennai.

In response to AIADMK leader Edapadi Palani Sami's criticism of the Hindi inscriptions on the coin, Stalin clarified that the event was organized by the central government. 'Edapadi Palani Sami should understand that the coin release was a central government program where the Union government has the authority to release the coin,' Stalin stated. He also addressed Palani Sami's query about Rahul Gandhi's absence, explaining that it was a central government event, not a DMK function.

During the ceremony on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised M Karunanidhi as one of India's most revered leaders, a titan of Indian politics, an able administrator, a social justice advocate, and a cultural stalwart. 'Celebrating Karunanidhi's birth centenary is a great honor,' Singh said. 'His influence extended far beyond Tamil Nadu, marking him as a key figure in Indian politics.'

M Karunanidhi served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for over two decades, leading the state for five terms between 1969 and 2011.

(With inputs from agencies.)