The nation grieves as Karunanidhi passes away

In his condolence message, Kumar said that the country has lost a big political personality who always kept democratic values at the top. He was a leading personality of social and economic uplift in Tamil Nadu.

"I had a very close relations with him. His death has caused irreparable loss to the fields of politics and society," Kumar said in an official release. Kumar had talked to Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi over telephone this morning, it said.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Karunanidhi was a multifaceted personality and a gritty fighter and had overcome several challenges during his long stint in public life.

"Being a member of the state Legislative Assembly 13 times since 1957 from seven different constituencies and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five times speaks for his deep connect with and influence over the people of the state," Naidu said in his message.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today condoled the demise of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and said he strode the stage of Tamil politics like a colossus for six decades.

"Loved by the Tamilian people, Kalaignar strode the stage of Tamil politics, like a colossus, for over 6 decades. In his passing, India has lost a great son. My condolences to his family as also to the millions of Indians who grieve for their beloved leader tonight," he said on Twitter.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ESL Narasimhan also expressed grief overKarunanidhi's death.

"The country in general and Tamil Nadu, in particular, have lost a great administrator and a wonderful human being," the governor said. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanexpressed grief over the death of DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Sathasivam in a message said Karunanidhi was a perfect blend of statesmanship and creativity.

Condolences also poured infrom politicians across the spectrum in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra GovernorVidyasagar 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.

Calling it a "dark day" and an "inexplicable loss", celebrities, including Rajinikanth and Dulquer, today mourned the death of DMK president M Karunanidhi.

"The death of Kalaignar is an unforgettable, dark day in my life. May his soul rest in peace," said Rajinikanth, who himself is taking his first steps in Tamil Nadu politics.

Actor Dulquer tweeted, "End of an era ! Kalaignar was such an essential part of the fabric of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. All of us who've lived there will feel an inexplicable loss. RIP."

Actor Riteish Deshmukh remembered Karunanidhi as one of the tallest leaders of the country.

"Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir," he wrote on Twitter.

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar posted a picture with Karunanidhi to remember him. "This was the last pic, I had taken with him a little over a month ago...Never knew this will be the last time I will be seeing the great Leader..Will miss you Appa," she captioned the picture.

Actor Kichcha Sudeepa said Karunanidhi will always be remembered for his amazing personality and his contribution to Tamil Nadu.