Tamil Nadu lost messiah of poor:Mah guv on Karunanidhi's death

Condolences poured in today after demise of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi from politicians across the spectrum in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress president Ashok Chavan are among the prominent leaders who have expressed grief over the death of the iconic Tamil leader.

Fadnavis said social reforms always remained the agenda of the former Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Karunanidhi breathed his last at a Chennai hospital this evening after prolonged illness.

"Karunanidhi's death is a great loss to the country. He was a popular leader who gave a new direction to Tamil Nadu politics. Social reforms were always his agenda," Fadnavis said.

Noting that Karunanidhi was a good writer and orator, he added that "in national politics, the central government had to always take cognisance of Karunanidhi...he was such a tall leader".

In a condolence message addressed toDMK Working President M K Stalin, the governor said Karunanidhi was one of the most popular and charismatic leaders produced by Tamil Nadu who dominated the political discourse of the nation for many decades.

Rao, who had served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu for more than a year, stated that "Kalaignar" was the visionary leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of the poorest person, farmers and workers.

"As five times Chief Minister, Karunanidhi introduced several innovative schemes for the welfare of the weaker sections of society. Dr. Karunanidhi was also a multi-talented personality, having been a writer, screenplay writer, theatre artist and an art lover. In his demise, the people of Tamil Nadu have lost a Messiah of the Poor.

"I convey my deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu and to the members of the bereaved family on the demise of Dr Karunanidhi," he stated.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar said Karunanidhi will always be remembered as a leader of masses in the Indian political realm.

"Saddened to know about the demise of DMK president and former Tamil Naduchief minister M Karunanidhi. My heartfelt condolences with his family. May his soul rest in peace," he said.

Chavan said an era in Indian politics ended with the demise of the DMKpresident.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family and followers," he said.