DMK president M Karunanidhi, 5-time Tamil Nadu CM passes away after prolong illness at 94 at Kauvery hospital

After battling illness at the Kauvery hospital in Chennai, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK Chief M Karunanidhi passed away.

“We profoundly mourn the loss of one of the tallest leaders of India and we share the grief of family members and fellow Tamilians worldwide,” the hospital further said.

He was 'extremely critical and unstable, Kauvery hospital officials have said, a day after the politician's health worsened.

The 94-year-old over the last few hours and his vitals were deteriorating "despite maximum medical support", said the Kauvery hospital, where the five-time chief minister was admitted on July 28.

PM Modi took twitter and said, "My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace".

"Ezhundhu Vaa Thalaivaa" (Awake, our leader) and "Vaa, Vaa, Gopalapuram Polaam Vaa" (Come, Come, let's go to Gopalapuram) were among the slogans raised by the emotionally-charged crowd, referring to Karunanidhi's neighbourhood.

The 94-year-old Karunanidhi has been DMK president from last 50 years and now has been in ICU since July 28 when he was rushed following a dip in his blood pressure.

“There was a decline in the medical condition of M. Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments,” said Kauvery's executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj in a bulletin released at 6.30 pm on Monday.

Since the DMK chief has been hospitalized all the senior party leaders, including his daughter Kanimozhi, his son and expelled DMK leader, MK Alagiri, have been visiting the ailing father on daily basis.

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