Madras HC allows burial of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach
The Madras HC has allowed DMK to bury its party chief Karunanidhi at Chennai's Marina Beach, for which the state government had refused permission. It had offered land at Gandhi Mandapam instead. Meanwhile, thousands lined up to see Karunanidhi's mortal remains as they were taken from CIT Colony to Rajaji Hall today. PM Narendra Modi has also arrived in Chennai.
TN government cites pending PILs for not awarding burial spot
Marina has the burial sites of iconic figures like DMK founder Annadurai, AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran, and former CM J Jayalalithaa. The state government denied permission to DMK to bury Karunanidhi there, citing pending PILs at the Madras HC challenging the construction of memorials on the beach. Gandhi Mandapam, which it offered, hosts the sarcophagi of C Rajagopalachari and former CM K Kamaraj
DMK receives support from other parties
Other party leaders had supported DMK's demand. "He converted Marina into a Tamil cultural symbol," said VCK's Ravikumar. "Kalaignar was an expression of the voice of the Tamil people. That voice deserves space on Marina," said Congress' Rahul Gandhi. Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth requested the government to "make all efforts." "The TN people won't forgive the government if it denies burial land," said NC's Farooq Abdullah.
People break barricades, but crowds brought under control
Court dismisses petitions against construction of memorials at Marina
Earlier today, the court dismissed the petitions cited by the government, filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, K Balu and Duraisamy, against the construction of memorials at Marina. It directed Ramaswamy's lawyer to file a memorandum declaring he has no objection to Karunanidhi's burial at Marina. Accordingly, he has filed it. Incidentally, another petitioner revoked her plea yesterday itself. The HC has declared it withdrawn.
Karunanidhi died yesterday after 10 days at hospital
Karunanidhi succumbed to old-age related ailments after 10 days at hospital yesterday evening. He was 94. The state government has declared a day of mourning today. He will be given full state honors and a military salute. He will be wrapped in the tricolor and the flag will fly at half mast. The government will recognize a seven-day mourning period. All functions stand cancelled.
Top leaders making their way to Chennai amid heightened security
Top leaders are making their way to Chennai to pay their last respects. Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Chennai later in the day. Kamal Haasan, H Raja, Thol Thirumavalavan and others have already visited the deceased. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned for today. Security near Marina, where Karunanidhi will be buried, is at a high.
