'Can I call you 'appa' now?': Stalin's emotional-letter to Karunanidhi
MK Stalin, son of M Karunanidhi and working president of the party, penned an emotional letter to his father after the DMK chief's death. "Wherever you have traveled, you've always let us know. This time, why did you leave without a notice?" "All my life, I've called you 'Thalaivare' more than 'Appa.' At least now, for once, can I call you 'appa', my leader?" he ends.
Stalin's letter to his father
'Are you satisfied with working tirelessly for the Tamil people?'
"You wrote 33 years ago to inscribe 'The one who served restlessly is resting here' on your tomb. Did you leave with that satisfaction?" Stalin wrote. "I beg for half of your potential and the heart of CN Annadurai you won. Will you give me?" "A request from crores of your brothers. Just say once, 'En uyirinum melaana anbu udan pirappugalae'. That will give us strength for 100 years."
Karunanidhi died yesterday after 10 days in hospital
Karunanidhi succumbed to old-age related ailments yesterday evening after 10 days at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. He was 94. The five-time CM had been unwell for over a year and was rarely seen in public. Recently, he had started getting treatment at home for urinary tract infection and related symptoms. He was rushed to hospital on July 28 following a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Thousands of supporters kept pouring in to Chennai these days
As the news of his ill health had spread, thousands of Karunanidhi's followers started gathering outside Kauvery. The visuals were unprecedented: they slept on roads, while some stood there the entire night to get an update about Kalaignar's health. Chants like 'Long Live Karunanidhi' and 'Yamraj Go Away' kept ringing. Today too, they lined up to catch a glimpse of 'Kalaignar' on his final journey to Rajaji Hall.
Top leaders making their way to Chennai amid heightened security
Meanwhile, top leaders are making their way to Chennai to pay respect. PM Narendra Modi arrived in the morning. President Ram Nath Kovind and Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi mourned the loss. Kamal Haasan, H Raja, Thol Thirumavalavan and others have also visited. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned for today. Security near Marina, where Karunanidhi will be buried, has been upped.
