Karunanidhi demise: K'taka govt announces one-day mourning

The ruling government in Karnataka has decided to observe a day-long state mourning in view of the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) patriarch M Karunanidhi.

'Kalaignar' breathed his last on Tuesday evening after a prolonged illness.

Soon after, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy condoled the death of the "living legend."

"He (Karunanidhi) strived for the development of Tamil Nadu throughout his life and built a stronghold for the DMK. I had met him several times. Every time he made me understand the importance of regional parties. In his death, we have lost a unique personality in Indian politics. Tamil Nadu has lost a visionary leader," he said.

Karnataka's tribute for the five-time chief minister Karunanidhi comes at a time when the two states have been at loggerheads over the sharing of waters from the river Cauvery.

The state government has also temporarily suspended its bus services following his death to avoid any untoward incidents.

Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi, will fly to Chennai on Wednesday to pay homage to the DMK Chief.