Rajinikanth Questions Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami's Absence from Kalaignar Karunanidhi's Funeral
Rajinikanth has questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami's absence from Kalaignar Karunanidhi's Funeral asking, 'Does he think he is bigger than Kalaignar or Jayalalithaa?'
Chennai, August 13: Actor turned politician Rajnikanth has slammed the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, questioning his absence from Marina beach saying that, "While all the important leaders were present at Marina beach to pay last respects to Kalaignar Karunanidhi, why did Tamil Nadu CM not come? Is he bigger than Kalaignar or Jayalalithaa?"
The 94-year-old DMK leader and five time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi, who passed away on August 7, was one of the tallest and most experienced leaders, not only in Tamil Nadu but in Indian politics as well. There was drama over the funeral of 'Kalaignar', as Karunanidhi was called by his supporters and followers.
The Tamil Nadu government refused to give permission to bury M Karunanidhi's mortal remains on Marina Beach, next to his mentor Annadurai.
The family members of Karunanidhi and a DMK delegation led by M K Stalin had met Chief Minister K Palaniswami and sought space near Annadurai's memorial for burying Karunanidhi's body.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and superstar Rajinikanth had urged the state government to provide land at Marina Beach for Karunanidhi's burial.
The DMK then moved the court late in the night on August 7, and the court had adjourned the matter at 1.15 am for resumed hearing at 8 am on August 8.
The Madras High Court, on August 8, dismissed all pending petitions challenging burials on the Marina beach as it resumed hearing on a petition by the DMK seeking allotment of space at the famous beach for laying to rest its leader M Karunanidhi, and cleared all impediments in the way of burial for M Karunanidhi. M Karunanidhi was then laid to rest with full state honours at Chennai's Marina Beach on August 8.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2018 09:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).