Chennai, Aug 7: The CPI today urged the Tamil Nadu government to deal in a "dignified way," DMK's demand for allotment of space at the Marina beach here for burying its late leader M Karunanidhi, saying it should "not create any hurdles" in this regard. CPI National Secretary D Raja condoled the death of Karunanidhi and heaped praise on the 'fighter.' Referring to the AIADMK government's refusal to provide DMK space at the Marina Beach to bury Karunanidhi, Raja said the late leader should be given an "honourable last journey." "DMK as a party and Karunanidhi's family requested for space at the Marina. The state government must deal with the issue in a dignified way, accepting the request," he told PTI.

The government "should not create hurdles...it will be a dishonor for such a person," he said. "I appeal to the state government to accept the request of the DMK and the family," he added. A controversy erupted tonight after the Tamil Nadu government rejected the opposition DMK's demand for allotting space on the Marina beach for the burial of Karunanidhi and offered space near the memorials of former Chief Ministers C Rajagopalachari and K Kamaraj.

Heaping encomiums on Karunanidhi, Raja said he was "one of the outstanding leaders" not only in Tamil Nadu, but across India. "The demise of Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) is a huge shock to everybody. He was one of the outstanding leaders, not only in Tamil Nadu, but in India. He was a fighter for social justice, promotion of Tamil language and culture, state rights and autonomy," the CPI leader said.

Raja recalled his "close association" with Karunanidhi and hailed his contribution in government formation during the UPA regime.

Karunanidhi was a "great" writer, orator, poet, dramatist and a "multi-dimensional personality," he added. "He leaves behind a great legacy which will inspire a generation," Raja said. Karunanidhi passed away here today after a prolonged illness.

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