Tamil Nadu   

Members shower praise on Karunanidhi

S. Dorairaj

Commend his contributions to politics, literature

CHENNAI: A huge hoarding made of flower petals near the portico close to the main gate of Fort St George on Friday read: " This is a red letter day in the annals of Indian democracy and there is festivity in every home of Tamils!"

The occasion was the felicitation to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at a function in the Assembly on his completion of 50 years as a legislator.

Not only the corridors and lobby but also the visitors' gallery and boxes were decorated with rose, jasmine and lotus.

The seats occupied by the Governor, the Speaker and the Chief Minister were adorned with flowers.

In an outstanding session, floor leaders spoke in one voice, commending the multi-faceted and dynamic contributions of Mr. Karunanidhi to the Assembly and politics.

Welcoming the audience, including Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, prominent trade union functionaries and leaders of political parties, Speaker R. Avudaiyappan said Mr. Karunanidhi had converted the obstacles in the path of his efforts to ensure the welfare of society into stepping-stones of progress.

Leader of the House and Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan described Mr. Karunanidhi as an epoch-making phenomenon and said he was second to none in contributing to Tamil language, literature and culture. There was no match for him in taking forward the ideals of Periyar E.V.Ramasamy and the Dravidian movement after the demise of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder C.N. Annadurai.

He recalled how leaders including Rajaji, K. Kamaraj, M. Baktavatsalam and M.G. Ramachandran had applauded the leadership skills of Mr. Karunanidhi.

"Political sage"

Congress Legislature Party leader D. Sudarsanam described Mr. Karunanidhi as a political sage, who respected the views of his political rivals too. Pattali Makkal Katchi leader G.K. Mani said the Chief Minister was a towering personality who raised his voice for social justice.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader C. Govindasamy recalled Mr. Karunanidhi's steadfastness in defending the State's rights. Communist Party of India leader V. Sivapunniyam said even his harshest critics acknowledged the Chief Minister's contributions to society.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader K. Selvam praised him for ensuring the successful conduct of elections to four Dalit panchayats including Pappapatti and Keeripatti. Members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam stayed away from the function.

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