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Congress MP B K Hariprasad will be the opposition’s candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, sources said today.&nbsp

Several opposition parties, who have joined hands against the BJP, decided to field a joint candidate to take on the NDA nominee, Harivansh Narayan Singh of the JD(U), for the August 9 election.

Today is the last date for filing of nominations. Sixty-four-year-old Hariprasad is a Congress member of Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.&nbsp

The Congress decided to field its nominee as the joint opposition candidate after the other parties in the opposition bloc chose not to nominate their members.

Congress MP B K Hariprasad will be the opposition's candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, sources said today.

Congress MP B K Hariprasad will be the opposition’s candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, sources said today. Several opposition parties, who have joined hands against the BJP, decided to field a joint candidate to take on the NDA nominee, Harivansh Narayan Singh of the JD(U), for the August 9 election. Today is the last date for filing of nominations. Sixty-four-year-old Hariprasad is a Congress member of Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. The Congress decided to field its nominee as the joint opposition candidate after the other parties in the opposition bloc chose not to nominate their members.

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election: Congress MP BK Hariprasad to be opposition nominee for post, say sources

The Madras High Court has allowed the DMK to burry late leader M.Karunanidhi on Marina beach along with his mentor Annadurai. Watch video to know more information.

Karunanidhi to be buried next to Annadurai

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today after paying obituary to DMK chief M Karunanidhi who passed away yesterday. As soon as the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan informed members of the demise of Karunanidhi (94).

Describing him as a “visionary” and a “leader of the masses”, she said he spread his political philosophy through screenwriting and produced some of the best hits in Tamil cinema.

After observing a moment of silence in his memory, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day. In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, reading out an obituary reference, described Karunanidhi as a multifaceted personality and a gritty figure who overcame difficulties.

Beginning his career as a screenplay writer, Karunanidhi used Tamil cinema to propagate Dravidian ideology and contributed to Tamil culture, he said. Karunanidhi entered politics at a very young age and was a member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly for a record 13 times, being elected from seven different constituencies, he said. In 1969, he became the third Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and went on to serve the state as its head for five terms.

He played a key role in scripting development of Tamil Nadu, Naidu said, adding in his death the country lost an eminent litterateur, an able administrator, a dedicated social worker and an outstanding statesman. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Naidu then adjourned the proceedings for the day.

Prior to the commencement of proceedings of the day, Naidu consulted senior leaders of various political parties for their views on adjournment of proceedings of the House for the day. He sought to know views of leaders as there was no precedent of adjourning the House in case the departed leader was not a sitting or former member of the House, sources said

Referring to Karunanidhi as one of the tallest leaders of the country, all members spoke in favour of adjournment of proceedings of the House as a mark of respect to the departed leader, they said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar said the government was also in favour of adjournment and the same was conveyed to the Lok Sabha Speaker as well.

He, however, sought the cooperation of all parties in both Houses in passing important pending Bills like the one relating to Prevention of Atrocities against SCs and STs in the Rajya Sabha and if required by dispensing with the Zero Hour and private members bills, they said.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today after paying obituary to DMK chief M Karunanidhi who passed away yesterday.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today after paying obituary to DMK chief M Karunanidhi who passed away yesterday. As soon as the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan informed members of the demise of Karunanidhi (94). Describing him as a “visionary” and a “leader of the masses”, she said he spread his political philosophy through screenwriting and produced some of the best hits in Tamil cinema. After observing a moment of silence in his memory, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day. In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, reading out an obituary reference, described Karunanidhi as a multifaceted personality and a gritty figure who overcame difficulties. Beginning his career as a screenplay writer, Karunanidhi used Tamil cinema to propagate Dravidian ideology and contributed to Tamil culture, he said. Karunanidhi entered politics at a very young age and was a member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly for a record 13 times, being elected from seven different constituencies, he said. In 1969, he became the third Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and went on to serve the state as its head for five terms. He played a key role in scripting development of Tamil Nadu, Naidu said, adding in his death the country lost an eminent litterateur, an able administrator, a dedicated social worker and an outstanding statesman. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Naidu then adjourned the proceedings for the day. Prior to the commencement of proceedings of the day, Naidu consulted senior leaders of various political parties for their views on adjournment of proceedings of the House for the day. He sought to know views of leaders as there was no precedent of adjourning the House in case the departed leader was not a sitting or former member of the House, sources said Referring to Karunanidhi as one of the tallest leaders of the country, all members spoke in favour of adjournment of proceedings of the House as a mark of respect to the departed leader, they said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar said the government was also in favour of adjournment and the same was conveyed to the Lok Sabha Speaker as well. He, however, sought the cooperation of all parties in both Houses in passing important pending Bills like the one relating to Prevention of Atrocities against SCs and STs in the Rajya Sabha and if required by dispensing with the Zero Hour and private members bills, they said.

Parliament mourns Karunanidhi death, both houses adjourned after paying obituary to Kalaignar

The Madras High Court ordered Wednesday that former DMK patriarch Karunanidhi is to be buried at Marina Beach. Karunanidhi died Tuesday at the age of 94.&nbsp

The DMK told the court that Karunanidhi could not be buried at Gandhi Mandapam, &nbspthat those buried there had different ideologies.&nbsp

There are currently already three memorials on Marina Beach to former Tamil Nadu chief ministers — the AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran or MGR, Annadurai, and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp

MGR Memorial was built in memory of former CM of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK founder, Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran and has the highest footfall on the seafront. 
&nbsp 
Anna memorial, locally known as Anna Samadhi, is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C N Annadurai.

Jayalalithaa memorial at Marina beach is a sprawling memorial coming up adjacent to the memorial of AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran is designed like a phoenix with two lion statues at the entrance.

A fourth memorial is the Victory War memorial which is a circular rock and marble structure or the coastal belfry formerly called as the Cupid’s bow.

Karunanidhi's will be the fifth memorial.&nbsp

Lovingly called as 'Kalaignar' by his supporters, he was the only Indian politician to have never lost any of the 13 assembly election that he contested in a row.

Jayalalithaa memorial at Marina beach is a sprawling memorial coming up adjacent to the memorial of AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran is designed like a phoenix with two lion statues at the entrance.

The Madras High Court ordered Wednesday that former DMK patriarch Karunanidhi is to be buried at Marina Beach. Karunanidhi died Tuesday at the age of 94. The DMK told the court that Karunanidhi could not be buried at Gandhi Mandapam, &nbspthat those buried there had different ideologies. There are currently already three memorials on Marina Beach to former Tamil Nadu chief ministers — the AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran or MGR, Annadurai, and Jayalalithaa. MGR Memorial was built in memory of former CM of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK founder, Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran and has the highest footfall on the seafront. Anna memorial, locally known as Anna Samadhi, is a memorial structure built on the Marina beach in memory of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C N Annadurai. Jayalalithaa memorial at Marina beach is a sprawling memorial coming up adjacent to the memorial of AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran is designed like a phoenix with two lion statues at the entrance. A fourth memorial is the Victory War memorial which is a circular rock and marble structure or the coastal belfry formerly called as the Cupid’s bow. Karunanidhi's will be the fifth memorial. Lovingly called as 'Kalaignar' by his supporters, he was the only Indian politician to have never lost any of the 13 assembly election that he contested in a row.

Karunanidhi will be fourth leader to be buried at Chennai's Marina beach

The Madras High Court ordered Wednesday that former DMK patriarch Karunanidhi is to be buried at Marina Beach. Karunanidhi died Tuesday at the age of 94.&nbsp;

His <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/stalin-pens-emotional-note-for-appa-karunanidhi-157707">son and political heir Stalin</a> had written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami asking for permission for Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina Beach near his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai. The government refused, saying a number of cases had been filed, and were pending, against the construction of memorials on Marina Beach.&nbsp;

The government instead offered the DMK a two-acre plot near Gandhi Mandapam, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-dmk-patriarch-karunanidhis-body-lies-in-state-at-chennais-rajaji-hall-157700">Thousands gather in Chennai to pay last respects to Karunanidhi: Follow the latest updates live here</a>

The DMK took the case to the Madras High Court. The court began hearing the matter at 8 am this morning, at which time the cases against the construction of memorials on Marina Beach were withdrawn.&nbsp;

The DMK told the court that Karunanidhi could not be buried at Gandhi Mandapam, &nbsp;that those buried there had different ideologies.&nbsp;

There are currently already three memorials on Marina Beach to former Tamil Nadu chief ministers — the AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran or MGR, Annadurai, and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;

A fourth memorial is the Victory War memorial.&nbsp;

Karunanidhi's will be the fifth.&nbsp;

The DMK took the matter to court after the government refused to give permission for the former DMK patriarch to be buried at Marina Beach. The government said a number of cases had been filed, and were pending, against the construction of memorials on Marina Beach

The Madras High Court ordered Wednesday that former DMK patriarch Karunanidhi is to be buried at Marina Beach. Karunanidhi died Tuesday at the age of 94. His son and political heir Stalin had written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami asking for permission for Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina Beach near his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai. The government refused, saying a number of cases had been filed, and were pending, against the construction of memorials on Marina Beach. The government instead offered the DMK a two-acre plot near Gandhi Mandapam, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Thousands gather in Chennai to pay last respects to Karunanidhi: Follow the latest updates live here The DMK took the case to the Madras High Court. The court began hearing the matter at 8 am this morning, at which time the cases against the construction of memorials on Marina Beach were withdrawn. The DMK told the court that Karunanidhi could not be buried at Gandhi Mandapam, that those buried there had different ideologies. There are currently already three memorials on Marina Beach to former Tamil Nadu chief ministers — the AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran or MGR, Annadurai, and Jayalalithaa. A fourth memorial is the Victory War memorial. Karunanidhi's will be the fifth.

Madras High Court orders: Karunanidhi to be buried at Marina Beach

The proceding is ongoing of the plea filed in the Madras High Court by DMK of where DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi will be laid to rest.

Madras High Court hears DMK petition

Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups, today said a 'bandh' would be observed across Maharashtra, except Navi Mumbai, tomorrow to press for the community's demand for reservation.

A leader of the organisation said the protest would be held in a peaceful manner from 8 am to 6 pm.

"It will be a state-wide bandh, excluding Navi Mumbai. All the essential services, schools and colleges have been excluded from the bandh," Amol Jadhavrao, a leader of Sakal Maratha Samaj told reporters.

"Due to some sensitive issues, we have decided not to observe bandh in Navi Mumbai," he said.

Parts of Maharashtra, especially Koparkhairane and Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai, had witnessed violence during the Maratha quota stir late last month.

Around 20 policemen, including eight officers, were injured in stone-pelting by protesters at Kopar Khairane and Kalamboli. A protester, injured in the violence in Navi Mumbai, had succumbed to his injuries.

Jadhavrao said, "It will be a peaceful protest from 8 am to 6 pm. I appeal to my fellow Maratha youths to desist from committing suicides. It is not going to help the community and its cause."

A number of people from the community had earlier committed suicide in support of the quota demand.

"We are also making an appeal to Maratha youths to stay away from violence. We will not indulge in any aggressive protest and there will be no damage to public properties," he assured.

Jadhavrao alleged that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was talking to only a handful of Marathas and trying to create confusion within the community.

"Fadnavis is trying to dilute the intensity of the agitation," he said.

Commenting on different views expressed by separate Maratha groups in the last few days, he said, "The confusion was created after the agitators in Parli (in Beed district) suddenly decided to withdraw their agitation."

"But meetings were held in Aurangabad and Mumbai, where rest of the Maratha groups expressed their willingness to go ahead with the bandh. Hence, tomorrow we are going to observe bandh," Jadhavrao said.

Another Maratha faction has given a call to only hold a sit-in outside the Mumbai suburban district collector's office.

"We have given a call for a peaceful agitation. We have no intention to cause a contempt of court. The coordinators of Maratha morcha from Navi Mumbai can participate in the agitation in Mumbai," he said.

"Fadnavis should give a time-bound programme for giving quota to the community on his letterhead and we will withdraw our agitation," Jadhavrao said.

The Bombay High Court had yesterday urged the Maratha community members to refrain from resorting to violence or committing suicide over their demand for reservation in government jobs and education.

The HC was hearing a PIL filed by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, seeking quota and directions to the backward classes commission to submit its recommendations to the state on entitlement of such quota expeditiously.

Marathas, a politically influential community that constitutes around 30 per cent of the state's population, have been demanding 16 per cent reservation. The community had earlier taken out silent marches across the state to highlight their demands, prominent among them being that of reservation.

The agitation, however, turned violent after a 27-year-old protester jumped to his death in Godavari river near Aurangabad on July 23.

Violence had also erupted at Chakan near Pune during the Maratha quota agitation in the last week of July. Four policemen had been injured in stone-pelting during the protest at Chakan, where the mob also damaged nearly sixty vehicles, including state and civic-run buses and police jeeps.

Meanwhile, police in Maharashtra are gearing up to prevent violence during the bandh called by Maratha organisations demanding reservations on August 9, an official said here.

There would be a heavy deployment of security personnel, especially in sensitive pockets where violence had taken place during the agitation earlier, a senior police official said.

There would be videographing of protests. These videos and CCTV footage will help police identify criminals and mischief-mongers who may try to take advantage and indulge in violence, the official said.

According to police, between July 18 and 27, 276 cases of violence were registered across the state during the quota agitation. There were incidents of stone pelting at over 250 places and 198 incidents of arson, he said.

More than Rs 4.5 crore-worth public and private property was damaged within 10 days, a police official said.

A leader of the organisation said the protest would be held in a peaceful manner from 8 am to 6 pm.

Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups, today said a 'bandh' would be observed across Maharashtra, except Navi Mumbai, tomorrow to press for the community's demand for reservation. A leader of the organisation said the protest would be held in a peaceful manner from 8 am to 6 pm. "It will be a state-wide bandh, excluding Navi Mumbai. All the essential services, schools and colleges have been excluded from the bandh," Amol Jadhavrao, a leader of Sakal Maratha Samaj told reporters. "Due to some sensitive issues, we have decided not to observe bandh in Navi Mumbai," he said. Parts of Maharashtra, especially Koparkhairane and Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai, had witnessed violence during the Maratha quota stir late last month. Around 20 policemen, including eight officers, were injured in stone-pelting by protesters at Kopar Khairane and Kalamboli. A protester, injured in the violence in Navi Mumbai, had succumbed to his injuries. Jadhavrao said, "It will be a peaceful protest from 8 am to 6 pm. I appeal to my fellow Maratha youths to desist from committing suicides. It is not going to help the community and its cause." A number of people from the community had earlier committed suicide in support of the quota demand. "We are also making an appeal to Maratha youths to stay away from violence. We will not indulge in any aggressive protest and there will be no damage to public properties," he assured. Jadhavrao alleged that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was talking to only a handful of Marathas and trying to create confusion within the community. "Fadnavis is trying to dilute the intensity of the agitation," he said. Commenting on different views expressed by separate Maratha groups in the last few days, he said, "The confusion was created after the agitators in Parli (in Beed district) suddenly decided to withdraw their agitation." "But meetings were held in Aurangabad and Mumbai, where rest of the Maratha groups expressed their willingness to go ahead with the bandh. Hence, tomorrow we are going to observe bandh," Jadhavrao said. Another Maratha faction has given a call to only hold a sit-in outside the Mumbai suburban district collector's office. "We have given a call for a peaceful agitation. We have no intention to cause a contempt of court. The coordinators of Maratha morcha from Navi Mumbai can participate in the agitation in Mumbai," he said. "Fadnavis should give a time-bound programme for giving quota to the community on his letterhead and we will withdraw our agitation," Jadhavrao said. The Bombay High Court had yesterday urged the Maratha community members to refrain from resorting to violence or committing suicide over their demand for reservation in government jobs and education. The HC was hearing a PIL filed by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, seeking quota and directions to the backward classes commission to submit its recommendations to the state on entitlement of such quota expeditiously. Marathas, a politically influential community that constitutes around 30 per cent of the state's population, have been demanding 16 per cent reservation. The community had earlier taken out silent marches across the state to highlight their demands, prominent among them being that of reservation. The agitation, however, turned violent after a 27-year-old protester jumped to his death in Godavari river near Aurangabad on July 23. Violence had also erupted at Chakan near Pune during the Maratha quota agitation in the last week of July. Four policemen had been injured in stone-pelting during the protest at Chakan, where the mob also damaged nearly sixty vehicles, including state and civic-run buses and police jeeps. Meanwhile, police in Maharashtra are gearing up to prevent violence during the bandh called by Maratha organisations demanding reservations on August 9, an official said here. There would be a heavy deployment of security personnel, especially in sensitive pockets where violence had taken place during the agitation earlier, a senior police official said. There would be videographing of protests. These videos and CCTV footage will help police identify criminals and mischief-mongers who may try to take advantage and indulge in violence, the official said. According to police, between July 18 and 27, 276 cases of violence were registered across the state during the quota agitation. There were incidents of stone pelting at over 250 places and 198 incidents of arson, he said. More than Rs 4.5 crore-worth public and private property was damaged within 10 days, a police official said.

Maratha groups call for Maharashtra bandh on August 9

A police source has said that the main accused in the Bihar shelter home case, Brajesh Thakur, spoke often to the husband of Social Welfare Department Minister Manju Verma.&nbsp;

News reports Wednesday quoted the unnamed source as saying Chadeshwar Verma's name had popped up on Thakur's call record, as had the names of a number of other high-profile men.&nbsp;

Medical reports have confirmed that at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-medical-reports-confirm-5-more-rapes-at-bihar-shelter-home-155527">34 girls were raped</a>, and many of them tortured, at the state-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur. There were 44 girls living at the shelter.&nbsp;

The news reports quoted the source as saying Chadeshwar and Thakur "exchanged over a dozen phone calls in the last one year or so."&nbsp;

Chadeshwar's name had cropped up during the investigation into the scandal after the wife of one of the arrested accused, Ravi Roshan, former Muzaffarpur child protection officer, alleged the minister's husband had frequented the shelter home.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said anybody with links to the shelter home case — including his Cabinet colleagues — will have to go.&nbsp;

The minister, Manju Verma, has denied any involvment in the case, saying her husband is being made a scapegoat in the case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The source said the main accused Brajesh Thakur spoke to the Social Welfare Department minister's husband, Chadeshwar Verma, over a dozen times in the last year

A police source has said that the main accused in the Bihar shelter home case, Brajesh Thakur, spoke often to the husband of Social Welfare Department Minister Manju Verma. News reports Wednesday quoted the unnamed source as saying Chadeshwar Verma's name had popped up on Thakur's call record, as had the names of a number of other high-profile men. Medical reports have confirmed that at least 34 girls were raped, and many of them tortured, at the state-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur. There were 44 girls living at the shelter. The news reports quoted the source as saying Chadeshwar and Thakur "exchanged over a dozen phone calls in the last one year or so." Chadeshwar's name had cropped up during the investigation into the scandal after the wife of one of the arrested accused, Ravi Roshan, former Muzaffarpur child protection officer, alleged the minister's husband had frequented the shelter home. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said anybody with links to the shelter home case — including his Cabinet colleagues — will have to go. The minister, Manju Verma, has denied any involvment in the case, saying her husband is being made a scapegoat in the case.

Bihar shelter home case: Police source says main accused spoke often to minister's husband

A script writer par excellence, M Karunanidhi began penning scripts for plays as a 20-year-old, his works becoming a vehicle for propagating the principles of the Dravidian movement.

Age did not wither his pithy prose and as he crossed 90, he wrote his last script for a television serial based on reformist Hindu saint Ramanuja, who strove for an egalitarian society.

Scripting dialogues for the television soap based on the 11-th century Vaishnavite saint in 2015, Karunanidhi had praised the saint for throwing his weight behind the oppressed and backward classes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-dmk-patriarch-karunanidhis-body-lies-in-state-at-chennais-rajaji-hall-157700">Thousands gather in Chennai to pay last respects to Karunanidhi:&nbsp;Follow the latest updates live here</a>

A voracious reader and prolific writer, Karunanidhi took a keen interest in Tamil literature, poetry and drama and even as a 20-year-old had enacted a reformist drama "Pazhaniappan.'

As a teenager, he ran a handwritten magazine "Manava Nesan" in 1941.

In 1947, Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay and dialogue for the blockbuster&nbsp;'Rajakumari', the debut movie of M G Ramachandran, who later became his arch political rival and founded AIADMK.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/where-did-you-go-without-telling-me-son-stalin-writes-emotional-letter-to-appa-karunanidhi-157737">'Where did you go without telling me?' Son Stalin writes </a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/where-did-you-go-without-telling-me-son-stalin-writes-emotional-letter-to-appa-karunanidhi-157737">emotional</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/where-did-you-go-without-telling-me-son-stalin-writes-emotional-letter-to-appa-karunanidhi-157737"> letter to 'Appa' Karunanidhi</a>

Little did he know that his dialogues in 'Parasakthi' (1952), which debutant 'Sivaji' Ganesan delivered with panache, would become a big hit and aid in catapulting his political career as well.

Besides a host of plays like 'Manimagudam', he has penned screenplays and dialogues for over 50 movies and scripted the story for several of them.

'Manohara' (1954), 'Malaikallan' (1954), 'Rangon Radha' (1956) were among the movies in which he was involved as a screenwriter.

In addition to penning dialogues, he had also written stories for movies, including successful films like 'Marudanattu Ilavarasi', 'Mandiri Kumari (both 1950), Tirumbipar (1953) and Arasilangkumari (1961).

'Mani Makudam', 'Marakka Mudiyuma', 'Avan Pithana', 'Pookkari' and 'Needhikku Thandanai' were among his several other movies.

A noted Tamil author, Karunanidhi has over 100 works to his credit, including poems and novels.

His novels include Romapuri Pandian, Thenpandi Singam, Nenjukku Needhi (his autobiography and commentary on contemporary politics), Sanga Thamizh, Kuraloviam, Ponnar Shankar, Thirukkural Urai.

His stage plays include 'Manimagudam', 'Ore Ratham', 'Thooku Medai,' 'Kagithapoo' and 'Silapathikarum.'&nbsp;

Little did Karunanidhi know that his dialogues in 'Parasakthi' (1952), which debutant 'Sivaji' Ganesan delivered with panache, would become a big hit and aid in catapulting his political career as well.

A script writer par excellence, M Karunanidhi began penning scripts for plays as a 20-year-old, his works becoming a vehicle for propagating the principles of the Dravidian movement. Age did not wither his pithy prose and as he crossed 90, he wrote his last script for a television serial based on reformist Hindu saint Ramanuja, who strove for an egalitarian society. Scripting dialogues for the television soap based on the 11-th century Vaishnavite saint in 2015, Karunanidhi had praised the saint for throwing his weight behind the oppressed and backward classes. Thousands gather in Chennai to pay last respects to Karunanidhi: Follow the latest updates live here A voracious reader and prolific writer, Karunanidhi took a keen interest in Tamil literature, poetry and drama and even as a 20-year-old had enacted a reformist drama "Pazhaniappan.' As a teenager, he ran a handwritten magazine "Manava Nesan" in 1941. In 1947, Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay and dialogue for the blockbuster 'Rajakumari', the debut movie of M G Ramachandran, who later became his arch political rival and founded AIADMK. Also read: 'Where did you go without telling me?' Son Stalin writes emotional letter to 'Appa' Karunanidhi Little did he know that his dialogues in 'Parasakthi' (1952), which debutant 'Sivaji' Ganesan delivered with panache, would become a big hit and aid in catapulting his political career as well. Besides a host of plays like 'Manimagudam', he has penned screenplays and dialogues for over 50 movies and scripted the story for several of them. 'Manohara' (1954), 'Malaikallan' (1954), 'Rangon Radha' (1956) were among the movies in which he was involved as a screenwriter. In addition to penning dialogues, he had also written stories for movies, including successful films like 'Marudanattu Ilavarasi', 'Mandiri Kumari (both 1950), Tirumbipar (1953) and Arasilangkumari (1961). 'Mani Makudam', 'Marakka Mudiyuma', 'Avan Pithana', 'Pookkari' and 'Needhikku Thandanai' were among his several other movies. A noted Tamil author, Karunanidhi has over 100 works to his credit, including poems and novels. His novels include Romapuri Pandian, Thenpandi Singam, Nenjukku Needhi (his autobiography and commentary on contemporary politics), Sanga Thamizh, Kuraloviam, Ponnar Shankar, Thirukkural Urai. His stage plays include 'Manimagudam', 'Ore Ratham', 'Thooku Medai,' 'Kagithapoo' and 'Silapathikarum.'

Karunanidhi wrote the dialogue for MGR's debut movie — they went on to become arch-rivals

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/stalin-pens-emotional-note-for-appa-karunanidhi-157707">'Where did you go without telling me?' Son Stalin writes </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/stalin-pens-emotional-note-for-appa-karunanidhi-157707">emotional</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/stalin-pens-emotional-note-for-appa-karunanidhi-157707"> letter to 'Appa' Karunanidhi</a>

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin has penned down an emotional letter for his father M Karunanidhi, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/karunanidhi-wrote-dialogue-for-mgrs-debut-movie-they-went-on-to-become-arch-rivals-157720">Karunanidhi wrote dialogue for MGR's debut movie, they went on to become arch-rivals</a>

A script writer par excellence, M Karunanidhi began penning scripts for plays as a 20-year-old, his works becoming a vehicle for propagating the principles of the Dravidian movement.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-first-lawmaker-of-african-descent-157725">Pakistan gets </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-first-lawmaker-of-african-descent-157725">first</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-first-lawmaker-of-african-descent-157725"> lawmaker of African descent</a>

Tanzeela Qambrani from the Ethnic African population in Pakistan won a seat in the provincial parliament from Sindh in the recent general elections held in the country.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-hits-china-with-new-round-of-tariffs-157714">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-hits-china-with-new-round-of-tariffs-157714"> hits China with </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-hits-china-with-new-round-of-tariffs-157714">new</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-hits-china-with-new-round-of-tariffs-157714"> round of tariffs</a>

The United States will begin collecting 25 per cent tariffs on another $16 billion in Chinese goods on August 23, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office said on Tuesday as it published a final tariff list targeting 279 imported product lines.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/colombias-ivan-duque-becomes-president-promising-unity-economic-growth-157715">Colombia's Ivan Duque becomes president promising unity, economic growth</a>

Colombia's President-elect Ivan Duque was sworn into office on Tuesday (August 07), pledging to unite a divided nation behind his plan to toughen a peace accord with Marxist rebels and rekindle economic growth.

&nbsp;

'Where did you go without telling me?' Son Stalin writes emotional letter to 'Appa' Karunanidhi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin has penned down an emotional letter for his father M Karunanidhi, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Karunanidhi wrote dialogue for MGR's debut movie, they went on to become arch-rivals A script writer par excellence, M Karunanidhi began penning scripts for plays as a 20-year-old, his works becoming a vehicle for propagating the principles of the Dravidian movement. Pakistan gets first lawmaker of African descent Tanzeela Qambrani from the Ethnic African population in Pakistan won a seat in the provincial parliament from Sindh in the recent general elections held in the country. US hits China with new round of tariffs The United States will begin collecting 25 per cent tariffs on another $16 billion in Chinese goods on August 23, the US Trade Representative's office said on Tuesday as it published a final tariff list targeting 279 imported product lines. Colombia's Ivan Duque becomes president promising unity, economic growth Colombia's President-elect Ivan Duque was sworn into office on Tuesday (August 07), pledging to unite a divided nation behind his plan to toughen a peace accord with Marxist rebels and rekindle economic growth.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin has penned down an emotional letter for his father M Karunanidhi, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

In his moving letter, Stalin asked the DMK chief, "I have always called you as Thalaivare (Leader). Shall I address you as Appa once at least now?"&nbsp;

"Every time you used to tell me the place where ever you go. Now, where did you go without telling me? Where did you go leaving us in the lurch?" the letter read.

Stalin also quoted Karunanidhi's statement that the latter wanted to be written on his memorial, which read, "Here lies the person who worked relentlessly throughout his life."

The emotional son then asked the Tamil Nadu former chief minister that whether he has gained complete satisfaction for what he did for the Tamil society or he is just hiding to see if anyone can beat his achievements.

Karunanidhi breathed his last on Tuesday at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. His funeral will be held with full state honours on Wednesday.

Soon after his demise, many political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and chief ministers of various states expressed their deep grief and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.

In his letter, Stalin asked his father and former CM Karunanidhi — who passed away yesterday — whether he was completely satisfied with what he had done for Tamil society or if he was just hiding to see if anyone could beat his achievements.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin has penned down an emotional letter for his father M Karunanidhi, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. In his moving letter, Stalin asked the DMK chief, "I have always called you as Thalaivare (Leader). Shall I address you as Appa once at least now?" "Every time you used to tell me the place where ever you go. Now, where did you go without telling me? Where did you go leaving us in the lurch?" the letter read. Stalin also quoted Karunanidhi's statement that the latter wanted to be written on his memorial, which read, "Here lies the person who worked relentlessly throughout his life." The emotional son then asked the Tamil Nadu former chief minister that whether he has gained complete satisfaction for what he did for the Tamil society or he is just hiding to see if anyone can beat his achievements. Karunanidhi breathed his last on Tuesday at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. His funeral will be held with full state honours on Wednesday. Soon after his demise, many political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and chief ministers of various states expressed their deep grief and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.

'Where did you go without telling me?' Son Stalin writes emotional letter to 'Appa' Karunanidhi

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Wednesday stirred a controversy by stating that India and Pakistan would have remained united had Jinnah become the Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru. He even called Nehru "self-centered".

In an interaction at the Goa Institute of Management, the spiritual leader said, "Look at India, Mahatma Gandhi wanted Prime Ministership to go to Jinnah but Nehru refused to agree. I think Pandit Nehru was a little self-centered."

He further said, "If Mahatma Gandhi's wish had materialised then India and Pakistan would have been united." Holding Nehru responsible for the partition, the Dalai Lama said, "I know Pandit Nehru very well, he was a very experienced person, very wise but sometimes mistake also happens."

Reacting to the Dalai Lama's comments, BJP senior leader Subramanian Swamy said that the Dalai Lama should have spoken about this before and it did not hold much value now.

Swamy said, "These are historical issues and hold value for historical debates. Yes, it is true that Mahatma Gandhi wanted Jinnah to be the Prime Minister as he would have been a minority Prime Minister and he could be removed once the British were gone. But it is also true that Jawaharlal Nehru only thought about himself. Gandhi was only thinking of how the British could be removed. But these are now academic questions and hardly make sense to discuss now."

Reacting to the Dalai Lama's comments, BJP senior leader Subramanian Swamy said that the Dalai Lama should have spoken about this before and it did not hold much value now.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Wednesday stirred a controversy by stating that India and Pakistan would have remained united had Jinnah become the Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru. He even called Nehru "self-centered". In an interaction at the Goa Institute of Management, the spiritual leader said, "Look at India, Mahatma Gandhi wanted Prime Ministership to go to Jinnah but Nehru refused to agree. I think Pandit Nehru was a little self-centered." He further said, "If Mahatma Gandhi's wish had materialised then India and Pakistan would have been united." Holding Nehru responsible for the partition, the Dalai Lama said, "I know Pandit Nehru very well, he was a very experienced person, very wise but sometimes mistake also happens." Reacting to the Dalai Lama's comments, BJP senior leader Subramanian Swamy said that the Dalai Lama should have spoken about this before and it did not hold much value now. Swamy said, "These are historical issues and hold value for historical debates. Yes, it is true that Mahatma Gandhi wanted Jinnah to be the Prime Minister as he would have been a minority Prime Minister and he could be removed once the British were gone. But it is also true that Jawaharlal Nehru only thought about himself. Gandhi was only thinking of how the British could be removed. But these are now academic questions and hardly make sense to discuss now."

India-Pak would have been united had Jinnah been PM: Dalai Lama

Swedish retail giant IKEA's first ever store in India will finally open on Thursday in Hyderabad after years of its announcement.&nbsp;

The announcement was first made six years ago after about 12 years of planning, reports said. The world's largest furniture retailer plans to open a total of 25 stores by 2025.

The first IKEA store is a 13-acre complex in Hitec City on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The showroom will display some 7,500 products and nearly 1,000 of which would sell for less than Rs 200 a piece. It expects six million customers in a year.&nbsp;

IKEA hopes to overtake the US to become the world's second-largest middle-class market by 2022 in India. The world's biggest furniture retailer invested more than 10 billion rupees on its first foray in India.&nbsp;

By then, sales of homewares and home furnishings will probably reach US $15.3 billion from US $12.9 billion last year, according to researcher Euromonitor International.

"Rising incomes and affluence make for an attractive market in India," said Sowmya Adiraju, a research analyst with Euromonitor in Bengaluru, in an email. "Indian consumers are curious to see what IKEA&nbsp;has to offer and the retailer is well-positioned to meet this demand," as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

The store will have a 1000 seater restaurant, its largest ever in the world.&nbsp;

An IKEA is slated to open in early 2019 in Mumbai, followed by stores in urban Bengaluru and metropolitan Delhi. Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune are also targeted for stores. Elsewhere in Asia, it plans to set up shop in the Philippines and Vietnam and open additional stores in Bangkok, Thailand, within the next few years.

Concerned that the absence of a strong do-it-yourself culture in India could impede acceptance of IKEA's traditional model of self-assembling furniture, IKEA partnered with local start-up, UrbanClap, and hired 150 staff to offer paid delivery and assembly options, and plans to introduce an online store in conjunction with the opening of its Mumbai outlet in 2019.

Some 950 people will be employed directly by IKEA in Hyderabad, with an additional 1,500 jobs created indirectly, a company spokesperson said.

IKEA said in December it plans to have 15,000 staff in India by 2025, half of whom will be women. Recent recruits in Hyderabad include eight female forklift drivers and 100 young people from a government-backed program supporting underprivileged women entering the workforce.

(Inputs from Reuters)

The announcement was first made six years ago after about 12 years of planning, reports said. The world's largest furniture retailer plans to open a total of 25 stores by 2025, reports said.

Swedish retail giant IKEA's first ever store in India will finally open on Thursday in Hyderabad after years of its announcement. The announcement was first made six years ago after about 12 years of planning, reports said. The world's largest furniture retailer plans to open a total of 25 stores by 2025. The first IKEA store is a 13-acre complex in Hitec City on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The showroom will display some 7,500 products and nearly 1,000 of which would sell for less than Rs 200 a piece. It expects six million customers in a year. IKEA hopes to overtake the US to become the world's second-largest middle-class market by 2022 in India. The world's biggest furniture retailer invested more than 10 billion rupees on its first foray in India. By then, sales of homewares and home furnishings will probably reach US $15.3 billion from US $12.9 billion last year, according to researcher Euromonitor International. "Rising incomes and affluence make for an attractive market in India," said Sowmya Adiraju, a research analyst with Euromonitor in Bengaluru, in an email. "Indian consumers are curious to see what IKEA has to offer and the retailer is well-positioned to meet this demand," as quoted by Reuters. The store will have a 1000 seater restaurant, its largest ever in the world. An IKEA is slated to open in early 2019 in Mumbai, followed by stores in urban Bengaluru and metropolitan Delhi. Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune are also targeted for stores. Elsewhere in Asia, it plans to set up shop in the Philippines and Vietnam and open additional stores in Bangkok, Thailand, within the next few years. Concerned that the absence of a strong do-it-yourself culture in India could impede acceptance of IKEA's traditional model of self-assembling furniture, IKEA partnered with local start-up, UrbanClap, and hired 150 staff to offer paid delivery and assembly options, and plans to introduce an online store in conjunction with the opening of its Mumbai outlet in 2019. Some 950 people will be employed directly by IKEA in Hyderabad, with an additional 1,500 jobs created indirectly, a company spokesperson said. IKEA said in December it plans to have 15,000 staff in India by 2025, half of whom will be women. Recent recruits in Hyderabad include eight female forklift drivers and 100 young people from a government-backed program supporting underprivileged women entering the workforce. (Inputs from Reuters)

IKEA to open first India store in Hyderabad

State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) today said it is in negotiations with a few government departments, including income tax and central excise, to sell its erstwhile headquarters situated at the Bhikaji Cama Place in New Delhi.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Sunil Mehta, today said the bank is going for a second round of valuation of the south Delhi property due to high demand.

"It (talks) is at the stage of negotiation. There are three government agencies that we are in discussion with. Now we are negotiating for better valuations because we are finding good interest in it," Mehta told reporters in Mumbai today.

He said the departments the bank is in negotiations with include the income-tax and central excise departments.

PNB executive director LV Prabhakar said the first valuation of the property was done five to six months back but since then the property rates have gone up and the demand has also increased, and hence the bank is going for revaluation.

The lender expects to raise nearly&nbspRs.&nbsp700-800 crore from the sale of its earlier head office in the national capital, a bank official said.

The bank has set a target to garner&nbspRs.&nbsp8,600 crore from monetisation of its non-crore assets during FY19.

It had raised&nbspRs.&nbsp167 crore in the June quarter from sale of offices and its investment in Icra, Crisil and BSE.

The bank has appointed merchant banker for selling its stake in PNB Housing Finance, according to Mr Mehta.

PNB owns 32.79 per cent stake in PNB Housing Finance, while Carlyle Group, through its investment vehicle Quality Investment Holdings, owns 32.36 per cent of the paid up equity share capital.

The bank and Carlyle Group last month had announced to initiate the process to sell at least 51 per cent stake in PNB Housing Finance.

Mehta said the bank will also dilute minority 4 per cent stake in PNB Metlife Insurance as part of price discovery mechanism.

It is also looking to shut its four representative offices in Sydney, Dhaka, Dubai and Shanghai soon.

In the quarter ended June, the lender reported a net loss of&nbspRs.&nbsp940 crore due to higher provisioning for the multi-crore Nirav Modi scam and NPAs despite a recovery of&nbspRs.&nbsp8,445 crore of bad loans.

Its total provision in the quarter stood at&nbspRs.&nbsp5,135 crore. Of this, the provision for the Nirav Modi fraud was&nbspRs.&nbsp1,800 crore. It made a recovery of&nbspRs.&nbsp8,445 crore.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Sunil Mehta, today said the bank is going for a second round of valuation of the south Delhi property due to high demand.

State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) today said it is in negotiations with a few government departments, including income tax and central excise, to sell its erstwhile headquarters situated at the Bhikaji Cama Place in New Delhi. Its managing director and chief executive officer, Sunil Mehta, today said the bank is going for a second round of valuation of the south Delhi property due to high demand. "It (talks) is at the stage of negotiation. There are three government agencies that we are in discussion with. Now we are negotiating for better valuations because we are finding good interest in it," Mehta told reporters in Mumbai today. He said the departments the bank is in negotiations with include the income-tax and central excise departments. PNB executive director LV Prabhakar said the first valuation of the property was done five to six months back but since then the property rates have gone up and the demand has also increased, and hence the bank is going for revaluation. The lender expects to raise nearly&nbspRs.&nbsp700-800 crore from the sale of its earlier head office in the national capital, a bank official said. The bank has set a target to garner&nbspRs.&nbsp8,600 crore from monetisation of its non-crore assets during FY19. It had raised&nbspRs.&nbsp167 crore in the June quarter from sale of offices and its investment in Icra, Crisil and BSE. The bank has appointed merchant banker for selling its stake in PNB Housing Finance, according to Mr Mehta. PNB owns 32.79 per cent stake in PNB Housing Finance, while Carlyle Group, through its investment vehicle Quality Investment Holdings, owns 32.36 per cent of the paid up equity share capital. The bank and Carlyle Group last month had announced to initiate the process to sell at least 51 per cent stake in PNB Housing Finance. Mehta said the bank will also dilute minority 4 per cent stake in PNB Metlife Insurance as part of price discovery mechanism. It is also looking to shut its four representative offices in Sydney, Dhaka, Dubai and Shanghai soon. In the quarter ended June, the lender reported a net loss of&nbspRs.&nbsp940 crore due to higher provisioning for the multi-crore Nirav Modi scam and NPAs despite a recovery of&nbspRs.&nbsp8,445 crore of bad loans. Its total provision in the quarter stood at&nbspRs.&nbsp5,135 crore. Of this, the provision for the Nirav Modi fraud was&nbspRs.&nbsp1,800 crore. It made a recovery of&nbspRs.&nbsp8,445 crore.

PNB in talks to sell old headquarters to income tax, excise departments

At least 20 cows were killed after they were hit by a speeding Kalka-Shatabdi Express near Narela in northwest Delhi today, affecting the movement of trains in the region, the Northern Railway said.

A herd of cows was crossing the tracks between Holambi Kalan and Narela when the 12005 New Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Express hit 20 of them "at full speed" at around 5:44 pm.

"The railway personnel present there cleared the tracks. It was horrific. In fact, the impact was such that there was minor damage to the tracks as well. The train departed left the accident site at around 7 pm," a spokesperson of the Northern Railway said.

The spokesperson said that the driver of the train had applied emergency breaks on seeing the herd. "But the cows got run over as the train was running at full speed," he said.&nbsp

A herd of cows was crossing the tracks between Holambi Kalan and Narela when the 12005 New Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Express hit 20 of them 'at full speed' at around 5:44 pm.

At least 20 cows were killed after they were hit by a speeding Kalka-Shatabdi Express near Narela in northwest Delhi today, affecting the movement of trains in the region, the Northern Railway said. A herd of cows was crossing the tracks between Holambi Kalan and Narela when the 12005 New Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Express hit 20 of them "at full speed" at around 5:44 pm. "The railway personnel present there cleared the tracks. It was horrific. In fact, the impact was such that there was minor damage to the tracks as well. The train departed left the accident site at around 7 pm," a spokesperson of the Northern Railway said. The spokesperson said that the driver of the train had applied emergency breaks on seeing the herd. "But the cows got run over as the train was running at full speed," he said.

Kalka-Shatabdi Express mows down 20 cows in Delhi

The Competition Commission today said it has approved US retail giant Walmart's proposed acquisition of Flipkart.

In May, Walmart Inc announced acquisition of 77 per cent stake of Flipkart in its biggest takeover till date.

The deal values the 11-year old Indian e-commerce firm at USD 20.8 billion.

"@CCI_India approves proposed acquisition of Flipkart Private Limited by Wal-Mart International Holdings, Inc," the regulator said in a tweet.

Deals beyond a certain threshold are required to get clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The regulator keeps a tab on unfair business practices in the market place.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/CCI_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CCI_India</a> approves proposed acquisition of Flipkart Private Limited by Wal-Mart International Holdings, Inc
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In May, Walmart Inc announced acquisition of 77 per cent stake of Flipkart in its biggest takeover till date.

The Competition Commission today said it has approved US retail giant Walmart's proposed acquisition of Flipkart. In May, Walmart Inc announced acquisition of 77 per cent stake of Flipkart in its biggest takeover till date. The deal values the 11-year old Indian e-commerce firm at USD 20.8 billion. "@CCI_India approves proposed acquisition of Flipkart Private Limited by Wal-Mart International Holdings, Inc," the regulator said in a tweet. Deals beyond a certain threshold are required to get clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The regulator keeps a tab on unfair business practices in the market place. @CCI_India approves proposed acquisition of Flipkart Private Limited by Wal-Mart International Holdings, Inc — CCI (@CCI_India) August 8, 2018 ×

Competition Commission clears Walmart-Flipkart deal

Muthuvel Karunanidhi, 94, the<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/when-dmk-pulled-out-of-upa-because-of-the-ltte-157840">&nbsp;"Thalaivar" (the leader) was today</a> laid to rest in full state honours on the Marina beachfront as Tamil Nadu bid him a tearful farewell.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-dmk-patriarch-karunanidhis-body-lies-in-state-at-chennais-rajaji-hall-157700">Also Read:&nbsp;Tamil Nadu bids farewell as Karunanidhi laid to rest at Marina beach</a>

The burial witnessed several top leaders from across the country <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/m-karunanidhi-political-giant-one-of-indias-most-sworn-in-chief-ministers-157636">including Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a>, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and his son Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy attending the final rites as the DMK stalwart was laid to rest.&nbsp;

CPM&nbsp;general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat, and former chief ministers of Kerala and Uttar Pradesh Oommen Chandy and Akhilesh Yadav were also present as Tamil Nadu witnessed a day-long mourning on Wednesday.

The DMK chief died on Tuesday evening at Kauvery hospital after being in ICU for eleven days. Karunanidhi's vital organs failed in the end, doctors said.

Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin crying inconsolably received the national flag which was wrapped around his father's body. Other family members including the leader's wife Rajathi Ammal, other sons and daughters showered flower petals at his feet.

The casket was finally lowered after 6:45 pm, nearly 24 hours after south India's tallest leader bid goodbye to his state.

Earlier in the day, police had to latchicharge the crowd gathered outside Rajaji hall as Karunanidhi's body was brought out for his final journey towards Marina beach. Several people were also injured in the ensuing commotion as the DMK leader's mortal remains made its way through Chennai's streets.

Karunanidhi's death had triggered an all-out confrontation with the AIADMK government in the state after it denied the ex-chief minister to be buried at Marina beach.

AIADMK founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran and his protegee J Jayalalithaa, who were buried on the beach and have memorials there, had died in office, and the government cited this as a ground for not bestowing the same privilege to Karunanidhi as he was not a serving chief minister.

Finally, the Madras High Court gave its verdict in DMK's favour as Karunanidhi was laid to rest beside his mentor Annadurai, the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qcpgr_0ZOdA" width="560"></iframe>

The DMK chief died on Tuesday evening at Kauvery hospital after being in ICU for eleven days.

Muthuvel Karunanidhi, 94, the "Thalaivar" (the leader) was today laid to rest in full state honours on the Marina beachfront as Tamil Nadu bid him a tearful farewell. Also Read: Tamil Nadu bids farewell as Karunanidhi laid to rest at Marina beach The burial witnessed several top leaders from across the country including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and his son Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy attending the final rites as the DMK stalwart was laid to rest. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat, and former chief ministers of Kerala and Uttar Pradesh Oommen Chandy and Akhilesh Yadav were also present as Tamil Nadu witnessed a day-long mourning on Wednesday. The DMK chief died on Tuesday evening at Kauvery hospital after being in ICU for eleven days. Karunanidhi's vital organs failed in the end, doctors said. Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin crying inconsolably received the national flag which was wrapped around his father's body. Other family members including the leader's wife Rajathi Ammal, other sons and daughters showered flower petals at his feet. The casket was finally lowered after 6:45 pm, nearly 24 hours after south India's tallest leader bid goodbye to his state. Earlier in the day, police had to latchicharge the crowd gathered outside Rajaji hall as Karunanidhi's body was brought out for his final journey towards Marina beach. Several people were also injured in the ensuing commotion as the DMK leader's mortal remains made its way through Chennai's streets. Karunanidhi's death had triggered an all-out confrontation with the AIADMK government in the state after it denied the ex-chief minister to be buried at Marina beach. AIADMK founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran and his protegee J Jayalalithaa, who were buried on the beach and have memorials there, had died in office, and the government cited this as a ground for not bestowing the same privilege to Karunanidhi as he was not a serving chief minister. Finally, the Madras High Court gave its verdict in DMK's favour as Karunanidhi was laid to rest beside his mentor Annadurai, the first chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

Karunanidhi laid to rest at Marina beach as Tamil Nadu bids tearful farewell

A Level- III fire broke&nbsp;out at Hydro Cracker plant at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP&nbsp;in Mumbai's&nbsp;Chembur area on Wednesday.

Forty-three people have received minor wounds including one person who has been critically&nbsp;injured, ANI said.

After preliminary treatment at BPCL First Aid Centre, 22&nbsp;were allowed to go home while 21&nbsp;were shifted to Inlax hospital, Chembur for&nbsp;fractures and&nbsp;lacerated wounds. One is being treated in ICU.

An explosion was first heard at the fuel plant at around 3:00 pm reports said.

The fire is now under control.

Nine&nbsp;fire tenders, two foam tenders, and two jumbo tankers were rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Firefighting operation is underway.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Officials are investigating the matter further.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>: Level- III fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP plant in Chembur; 9 fire tenders, 2 foam tenders and 2 jumbo tankers present at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/g7hY7xqeE1">pic.twitter.com/g7hY7xqeE1</a>
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An explosion was first heard at the fuel plant at around 3:00 pm reports said.

A Level- III fire broke out at Hydro Cracker plant at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP in Mumbai's Chembur area on Wednesday. Forty-three people have received minor wounds including one person who has been critically injured, ANI said. After preliminary treatment at BPCL First Aid Centre, 22 were allowed to go home while 21 were shifted to Inlax hospital, Chembur for fractures and lacerated wounds. One is being treated in ICU. An explosion was first heard at the fuel plant at around 3:00 pm reports said. The fire is now under control. Nine fire tenders, two foam tenders, and two jumbo tankers were rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Firefighting operation is underway. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Officials are investigating the matter further. #Maharashtra: Level- III fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP plant in Chembur; 9 fire tenders, 2 foam tenders and 2 jumbo tankers present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/g7hY7xqeE1 — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2018 ×

Watch: Fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum plant in Mumbai's Chembur, 43 people injured

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief and five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu Muthuvel Karunanidhi passed away yesterday at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai. He was 94.

M Karunanidhi's family tree

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/cbi-begins-investigation-of-data-theft-by-cambridge-analytica-global-science-research-157891">CBI begins </a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/cbi-begins-investigation-of-data-theft-by-cambridge-analytica-global-science-research-157891">investigation</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/cbi-begins-investigation-of-data-theft-by-cambridge-analytica-global-science-research-157891"> of data theft by Cambridge Analytica, Global Science Research</a>

India's premier investigation agency the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today initiated a preliminary inquiry on data theft of Indians from Facebook by British firms Cambridge Analytica(CA) & Global Science Research.

<a href="wionews.com/world/as-trade-war-escalates-chinas-trade-surplus-with-us-dips-marginally-157881">As trade war escalates, China's trade surplus with </a><a href="wionews.com/world/as-trade-war-escalates-chinas-trade-surplus-with-us-dips-marginally-157881">US</a><a href="wionews.com/world/as-trade-war-escalates-chinas-trade-surplus-with-us-dips-marginally-157881"> dips marginally</a>

As the US hit China with new tariffs, President Xi's regime in its economic report said exports in July had surged even as its trade surplus with the US dipped slightly.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/watch-fire-breaks-out-at-bharat-petroleum-plant-in-mumbais-chembur-21-people-injured--157859">Watch:</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/watch-fire-breaks-out-at-bharat-petroleum-plant-in-mumbais-chembur-21-people-injured--157859"> Fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum plant in Mumbai's Chembur, 21 people injured</a>

A Level- III fire broke out at Hydro Cracker plant at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP in Mumbai's Chembur area on Wednesday.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-photographer-shahidul-alam-arrested-for-spreading-rumours-on-social-media-157863">Watch: Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam arrested for spreading rumours on social media</a>

A photographer has been detained after posting comments related to protests that were sparked by the death of two students two weeks ago.

<a href="wionews.com/world/republican-troy-balderson-leads-demoract-danny-oconnor-in-ohio-election-157880">Republican Troy Balderson leads Demoract Danny O'Connor in Ohio election</a>

A hotly contested race in Ohio for a US House of Representatives seat that has gone Republican for more than 30 years remained too close to call on Wednesday, in an encouraging sign for Democrats heading into the November 6 elections.

&nbsp

CBI begins investigation of data theft by Cambridge Analytica, Global Science Research India's premier investigation agency the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today initiated a preliminary inquiry on data theft of Indians from Facebook by British firms Cambridge Analytica(CA) & Global Science Research. As trade war escalates, China's trade surplus with US dips marginally As the US hit China with new tariffs, President Xi's regime in its economic report said exports in July had surged even as its trade surplus with the US dipped slightly. Watch: Fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum plant in Mumbai's Chembur, 21 people injured A Level- III fire broke out at Hydro Cracker plant at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-RMP in Mumbai's Chembur area on Wednesday. Watch: Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam arrested for spreading rumours on social media A photographer has been detained after posting comments related to protests that were sparked by the death of two students two weeks ago. Republican Troy Balderson leads Demoract Danny O'Connor in Ohio election A hotly contested race in Ohio for a US House of Representatives seat that has gone Republican for more than 30 years remained too close to call on Wednesday, in an encouraging sign for Democrats heading into the November 6 elections.

The government has asked WhatsApp to convey the various steps taken by them to deal with fake news, even as it said the Centre has no plans to tap into citizen's messages, Parliament was informed today.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) is also running a programme -- Information Security Education & Awareness (ISEA) -- to highlight the importance of following ethics while using Internet and advice against sharing rumours/ fake news, Minister of State for Electronics and IT SS Ahluwalia said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

"Government has also asked WhatsApp to convey various steps taken by them to deal with fake news and also to share learning material to educate the same," he said.

In response to a query on whether the government planned to tap citizen's WhatsApp messages, Ahluwalia said: "No, Sir".

"Government does not regulate content appearing on Internet. Law enforcement agencies take appropriate action on posting of malicious content on Internet on specific case-to-case basis," he said in response to a separate query.

Besides, the government has taken several initiatives for user awareness relating to cyber safety and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues advisories about cyber safety and security, he pointed.

Following multiple incidents of mob lynching across the country, the government had slapped messaging platform WhatsApp with two notices, with the second one warning that it will treat the messaging platform as 'abettor' of rumour propagation and legal consequences will follow if adequate checks are not put in place.

WhatsApp, in its response to these notices, had outlined initiatives it is taking to curb fake news circulation, including education and advocacy efforts.

To another query, Ahluwalia stated that the government is fully committed to freedom of speech and expression and privacy of its citizens as enshrined in the constitution of India.

Ahluwalia pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also been regularly interacting with popular social media sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter etc to ensure more effective enforcement.

"MHA has also issued a number of advisories which includes advisory on untoward incidents in the name of protection of cows...Advisory on cyber crime prevention and control...And also an advisory on incidents of lynching by mobs in some States fuelled by rumours of lifting/kidnapping of children," he said.

He added pursuant to the directions of a Supreme Court order, MHA has issued a directive to all states for implementation of directions of the apex court and has constituted a Group of Ministers and a High level Committee to make recommendations in this matter.

Answering another question, the Minister said the data traffic per smartphone in India is currently estimated to be 5.7 GB per month.

Besides, the government has taken several initiatives for user awareness relating to cyber safety and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues advisories about cyber safety and security, he pointed.

The government has asked WhatsApp to convey the various steps taken by them to deal with fake news, even as it said the Centre has no plans to tap into citizen's messages, Parliament was informed today. The Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) is also running a programme -- Information Security Education & Awareness (ISEA) -- to highlight the importance of following ethics while using Internet and advice against sharing rumours/ fake news, Minister of State for Electronics and IT SS Ahluwalia said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. "Government has also asked WhatsApp to convey various steps taken by them to deal with fake news and also to share learning material to educate the same," he said. In response to a query on whether the government planned to tap citizen's WhatsApp messages, Ahluwalia said: "No, Sir". "Government does not regulate content appearing on Internet. Law enforcement agencies take appropriate action on posting of malicious content on Internet on specific case-to-case basis," he said in response to a separate query. Besides, the government has taken several initiatives for user awareness relating to cyber safety and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues advisories about cyber safety and security, he pointed. Following multiple incidents of mob lynching across the country, the government had slapped messaging platform WhatsApp with two notices, with the second one warning that it will treat the messaging platform as 'abettor' of rumour propagation and legal consequences will follow if adequate checks are not put in place. WhatsApp, in its response to these notices, had outlined initiatives it is taking to curb fake news circulation, including education and advocacy efforts. To another query, Ahluwalia stated that the government is fully committed to freedom of speech and expression and privacy of its citizens as enshrined in the constitution of India. Ahluwalia pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also been regularly interacting with popular social media sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter etc to ensure more effective enforcement. "MHA has also issued a number of advisories which includes advisory on untoward incidents in the name of protection of cows...Advisory on cyber crime prevention and control...And also an advisory on incidents of lynching by mobs in some States fuelled by rumours of lifting/kidnapping of children," he said. He added pursuant to the directions of a Supreme Court order, MHA has issued a directive to all states for implementation of directions of the apex court and has constituted a Group of Ministers and a High level Committee to make recommendations in this matter. Answering another question, the Minister said the data traffic per smartphone in India is currently estimated to be 5.7 GB per month.

Asked WhatsApp to outline steps taken to deal with fake news: Minister

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the state government to explain how outside food can cause a security threat to those visiting multiplexes.

The judicature put forth this question after the state government filed an affidavit on Tuesday stating it does not deem it necessary to interfere with the ban on outside food in multiplexes, as it may create "chaos" or "security issues".

The Bombay High Court argued, "If you (government) restrain people from carrying their homemade food inside theatres, you are compelling them to eat junk food."

The court also observed that people should not be violent on the issue of taking outside food inside the theatres when the matter is still to be decided by High Court.

The court will conduct the next hearing of the matter on September 3.

Earlier, the state announced that people going to the cinema to watch movies will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court.&nbsp

The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi.

Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it."

State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said.

The court also observed that people should not be violent on the issue of taking outside food inside the theatres when the matter is still to be decided by High Court.

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the state government to explain how outside food can cause a security threat to those visiting multiplexes. The judicature put forth this question after the state government filed an affidavit on Tuesday stating it does not deem it necessary to interfere with the ban on outside food in multiplexes, as it may create "chaos" or "security issues". The Bombay High Court argued, "If you (government) restrain people from carrying their homemade food inside theatres, you are compelling them to eat junk food." The court also observed that people should not be violent on the issue of taking outside food inside the theatres when the matter is still to be decided by High Court. The court will conduct the next hearing of the matter on September 3. Earlier, the state announced that people going to the cinema to watch movies will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi. Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it." State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said.

Explain threat to multiplexes from outside food: Bombay High Court

Prominent political leaders and celebrities offer condolences to the late veteran leader along with his family at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.

Narendra Modi, Kamal Hassan pays last respect to Dravidian icon Karunanidhi

Bihar’s social welfare minister Manju Verma submitted her resignation on Wednesday in the wake of Muzaffarpur shelter home case. Her husband has been accused of having links with alleged mastermind Brajesh Thakur.&nbsp;

Verma said that she resigned due to agitation by media and the opposition, and hopes that the CBI and judiciary give a clean chit to her husband.&nbsp;

Talking to ANI, Verma said, "I resigned because media and opposition had created a furore, but I have full faith in CBI and Judiciary, I am sure truth will be out and my husband will come out clean."

"Call records of accused Brajesh Thakur should be made public, we will then see who all he used to talk to," she further said.&nbsp;

The police say call records confirm that minister Manju Verma's husband was regularly in touch with the man who ran the shelter home in Muzaffarpur in which over 30 girls were raped and tortured, reports said.&nbsp;

However, Brajesh Thakur on Wednesday claimed that he has been falsely implicated as he was planning to join the Congress party. Thakur was produced before the court among other accused.

"I was thinking of joining the Congress and it was almost final that I will contest elections from Muzaffarpur. That is the reason why I have been unnecessarily framed in the case. None of the girls (inmates of the shelter home) has taken my name. You can check that yourself," Thakur said as quoted by ANI.

Speaking about Madhu Kumari, who is one of the accused and currently absconding, Thakur further said, "I have never had any relation with Madhu. This has been propagated by some newspapers who want my newspaper office to shut down. Their business is getting affected due to my newspaper that is the reason why it is happening."

He further admitted having spoken to&nbsp;Manju Verma's husband but denied to have known him well.

The shelter home case was uncovered around three months ago after a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in April revealed that the inmates were allegedly sexually abused.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the case and raised question over the funding of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that were running the shelter home.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Monday backed the minister and said that Verma will be shown the door only if anything against her is found during the investigation.

Bihar’s social welfare minister Manju Verma submitted her resignation on Wednesday in the wake of Muzaffarpur shelter home case. Her husband has been accused of having links with alleged mastermind Brajesh Thakur. Verma said that she resigned due to agitation by media and the opposition, and hopes that the CBI and judiciary give a clean chit to her husband. Talking to ANI, Verma said, "I resigned because media and opposition had created a furore, but I have full faith in CBI and Judiciary, I am sure truth will be out and my husband will come out clean." "Call records of accused Brajesh Thakur should be made public, we will then see who all he used to talk to," she further said. The police say call records confirm that minister Manju Verma's husband was regularly in touch with the man who ran the shelter home in Muzaffarpur in which over 30 girls were raped and tortured, reports said. However, Brajesh Thakur on Wednesday claimed that he has been falsely implicated as he was planning to join the Congress party. Thakur was produced before the court among other accused. "I was thinking of joining the Congress and it was almost final that I will contest elections from Muzaffarpur. That is the reason why I have been unnecessarily framed in the case. None of the girls (inmates of the shelter home) has taken my name. You can check that yourself," Thakur said as quoted by ANI. Speaking about Madhu Kumari, who is one of the accused and currently absconding, Thakur further said, "I have never had any relation with Madhu. This has been propagated by some newspapers who want my newspaper office to shut down. Their business is getting affected due to my newspaper that is the reason why it is happening." He further admitted having spoken to Manju Verma's husband but denied to have known him well. The shelter home case was uncovered around three months ago after a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in April revealed that the inmates were allegedly sexually abused. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the case and raised question over the funding of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that were running the shelter home.

Muzaffarpur shelter home case: Media, opposition created uproar, says Manju Verma after resigning

Memorials have become integral to modern public life in India. A tradition which was started by the British has been embraced by Indian politicians and public at large. 
&nbsp; 
The colonial India saw stamping of Indian public spaces with statues and memorials of British public figures to engrave symbols of empire in the colony. Today, politicians have become new colonialists of public spaces. In the name of contribution and commitment, public structures, roads and districts are either renamed or new structures are erected to preserve and honour their memory.

The act of making a memorial &nbsp;serves many functions. It also indicates how much power the successor wields.

During the medieval times, &nbsp;the Mughals made the grandest memorials for themselves. The tombs or the resting places were commissioned during the life time of the emperor. This practice was emulated by many generals and members of&nbsp;nobility throughout the empire. The tombs were the markers of royalty and nobility. The aim was to tell the tale of glory long after they were gone. The monument was built in the idea of indestructible memory which would stand till the time lasts. 
.&nbsp; 
This hubris continued in the form of statues and road naming during colonial India. 
&nbsp; 
In post-Independence India, memorials became the instruments of personal ambition, dynasticism and hero worship. Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu consented to city corporation for installing his statue in Madras. &nbsp;

Decades later, Mayawati did the same. During her tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, she made parks and installed her own statutes so that her legacy lives past her. This time she did all by herself. In the name of Dalit pride she inscribed herself in public space.

Notably, even when the government allots an 'appropriate' place for memorial, political parties and families still insist on specific locations.

Whether it is Delhi’s Yamuna front which have memorials of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Charan Singh or roads which have been named after lesser politicians - public spaces have been crowded by late politicians. Even government bungalows have not been spared. It started from Teen Murti Lane residence which was converted to a Nehru memorial by Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

The house originally belonged to the commander of the British Army in the sub-continent but it ended up becoming a heritage site. Similarly many government bungalows function as memorial, be it the case of Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri or Jagjivan Ram.&nbsp;

Memorials also tell untold stories of power. The memorial for PV Narsimha Rao is not in Delhi but in Andhra Pradesh because he did not enjoy good relationship with Sonia Gandhi. The memorials in Tamil Nadu are also about power and preservation of politics.

In India, districts and airports have been renamed after politicians. Even Parliament is occupied with massive and midsized statutes of politicians. The central hall is adorned by political figures. In fact Parliament has now run short of space for statues.

The small and mid-sized towns are adorned with the busts and statues of local political figures. When living are not alive, the dead through their statues tell the stories of power and glamour. 
&nbsp; 
In India, size also matters. Gujarat is constructing the tallest statue of Sardar Patel and Maharashtra wants to make the biggest statue of Shivaji near Mumbai. The plan is to make it into &nbsp;a tourist site. Indian politics is saturated with talk on Ambedkar. It does not matter whether you have read him or not but you will find his statues throughout north India as a sign of Dalit assertion.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Indian state continues to mimic both pre-colonial India and the communist regimes. The Communists planted the statues of Marx and Lenin in every nook and corner in the countries they ruled. Two bearded gentlemen were the markers of what ruled&nbsp;the land. Ideology was planted in the heart of public space to be felt and lived on a daily basis. Indian politicians have emerged as the new Gods of our Republic. 
 
In the name of caste pride, regional pride, religious pride, community’s pride, national pride or perceived contribution, India is being stamped with statues and memorials. It is plain and simple colonialisation of public space and collective memory where an particular memory gets preserved as larger than life memory. Though sub-continent was not always a land of idols (in context of Vedic Hinduism), it has turned into one. The idols of Gods were celebrated and revered in both personal and public spaces. Today, GOD(S) have&nbsp;been replaced by people whom we call politicians. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Notably, even when the government allots an 'appropriate' place for memorial, political parties and families still insist on specific locations.

Memorials have become integral to modern public life in India. A tradition which was started by the British has been embraced by Indian politicians and public at large. The colonial India saw stamping of Indian public spaces with statues and memorials of British public figures to engrave symbols of empire in the colony. Today, politicians have become new colonialists of public spaces. In the name of contribution and commitment, public structures, roads and districts are either renamed or new structures are erected to preserve and honour their memory. The act of making a memorial serves many functions. It also indicates how much power the successor wields. During the medieval times, the Mughals made the grandest memorials for themselves. The tombs or the resting places were commissioned during the life time of the emperor. This practice was emulated by many generals and members of nobility throughout the empire. The tombs were the markers of royalty and nobility. The aim was to tell the tale of glory long after they were gone. The monument was built in the idea of indestructible memory which would stand till the time lasts. . This hubris continued in the form of statues and road naming during colonial India. In post-Independence India, memorials became the instruments of personal ambition, dynasticism and hero worship. Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu consented to city corporation for installing his statue in Madras. Decades later, Mayawati did the same. During her tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, she made parks and installed her own statutes so that her legacy lives past her. This time she did all by herself. In the name of Dalit pride she inscribed herself in public space. Notably, even when the government allots an 'appropriate' place for memorial, political parties and families still insist on specific locations. Whether it is Delhi’s Yamuna front which have memorials of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Charan Singh or roads which have been named after lesser politicians - public spaces have been crowded by late politicians. Even government bungalows have not been spared. It started from Teen Murti Lane residence which was converted to a Nehru memorial by Indira Gandhi. The house originally belonged to the commander of the British Army in the sub-continent but it ended up becoming a heritage site. Similarly many government bungalows function as memorial, be it the case of Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri or Jagjivan Ram. Memorials also tell untold stories of power. The memorial for PV Narsimha Rao is not in Delhi but in Andhra Pradesh because he did not enjoy good relationship with Sonia Gandhi. The memorials in Tamil Nadu are also about power and preservation of politics. In India, districts and airports have been renamed after politicians. Even Parliament is occupied with massive and midsized statutes of politicians. The central hall is adorned by political figures. In fact Parliament has now run short of space for statues. The small and mid-sized towns are adorned with the busts and statues of local political figures. When living are not alive, the dead through their statues tell the stories of power and glamour. In India, size also matters. Gujarat is constructing the tallest statue of Sardar Patel and Maharashtra wants to make the biggest statue of Shivaji near Mumbai. The plan is to make it into a tourist site. Indian politics is saturated with talk on Ambedkar. It does not matter whether you have read him or not but you will find his statues throughout north India as a sign of Dalit assertion. Indian state continues to mimic both pre-colonial India and the communist regimes. The Communists planted the statues of Marx and Lenin in every nook and corner in the countries they ruled. Two bearded gentlemen were the markers of what ruled the land. Ideology was planted in the heart of public space to be felt and lived on a daily basis. Indian politicians have emerged as the new Gods of our Republic. In the name of caste pride, regional pride, religious pride, community’s pride, national pride or perceived contribution, India is being stamped with statues and memorials. It is plain and simple colonialisation of public space and collective memory where an particular memory gets preserved as larger than life memory. Though sub-continent was not always a land of idols (in context of Vedic Hinduism), it has turned into one. The idols of Gods were celebrated and revered in both personal and public spaces. Today, GOD(S) have been replaced by people whom we call politicians. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Politics of memorials in India

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that she personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi after All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led Tamil Nadu government denied permission for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-dmk-patriarch-karunanidhis-body-lies-in-state-at-chennais-rajaji-hall-157700">Karunanidhi's</a> memorial at the Marina Beach.

"I was unhappy yesterday, as the government did not allow the Marina beach burial. I had called the Chief Minister but he was unavailable. I also personally called the PM in this regard," Ms Banerjee told ANI.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien will represent Trinamool Congress at Karunanidhi's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-orders-karunanidhi-to-be-buried-at-marina-beach-157770">funeral</a> in Chennai.

The Madras High Court on Wednesday announced that DMK Chief M Karunanidhi can be buried at Chennai's Marina Beach.

After hearing the High Court's order, Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin broke down while the DMK chief's supporters celebrated outside the court and the Rajaji Hall, where his mortal remains have been kept.

On Tuesday, the DMK filed a plea in the court after state government denied burial space for Karunanidhi near Anna Memorial at Marina beach owing to pending petitions against burial on Marina beach.

Karunanidhi died on Tuesday at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. His funeral will be held with full state honours.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien will represent Trinamool Congress at Karunanidhi's funeral in Chennai.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that she personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi after All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led Tamil Nadu government denied permission for Karunanidhi's memorial at the Marina Beach. "I was unhappy yesterday, as the government did not allow the Marina beach burial. I had called the Chief Minister but he was unavailable. I also personally called the PM in this regard," Ms Banerjee told ANI. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien will represent Trinamool Congress at Karunanidhi's funeral in Chennai. The Madras High Court on Wednesday announced that DMK Chief M Karunanidhi can be buried at Chennai's Marina Beach. After hearing the High Court's order, Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin broke down while the DMK chief's supporters celebrated outside the court and the Rajaji Hall, where his mortal remains have been kept. On Tuesday, the DMK filed a plea in the court after state government denied burial space for Karunanidhi near Anna Memorial at Marina beach owing to pending petitions against burial on Marina beach. Karunanidhi died on Tuesday at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. His funeral will be held with full state honours.

Personally called PM Modi for Karunanidhi's beach burial: Mamata Banerjee

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PNB in talks to sell old headquarters to income tax, excise departments

Kalka-Shatabdi Express mows down 20 cows in Delhi

Competition Commission clears Walmart-Flipkart deal

Karunanidhi laid to rest at Marina beach as Tamil Nadu bids tearful farewell

Watch: Fire breaks out at Bharat Petroleum plant in Mumbai's Chembur, 43 people injured

M Karunanidhi's family tree

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Asked WhatsApp to outline steps taken to deal with fake news: Minister

Explain threat to multiplexes from outside food: Bombay High Court

Narendra Modi, Kamal Hassan pays last respect to Dravidian icon Karunanidhi

Muzaffarpur shelter home case: Media, opposition created uproar, says Manju Verma after resigning

Opinion: Politics of memorials in India

Personally called PM Modi for Karunanidhi's beach burial: Mamata Banerjee