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{{short description|Indian writer and politician (1924–2018)}}{{Distinguish|A. Karunanidhi|text=[[A. Karunanidhi]] an Indian actor who featured mainly in Tamil-language films.}}{{for|the television channel|Kalaignar TV}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = M. Karunanidhi
| image = M. Karunanidhi .jpg
| caption = Official portrait, 2005
| office = 2nd [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]
| term_start = 13 May 2006
| term_end = 15 May 2011
| governor = [[Surjit Singh Barnala]]
| deputy = [[M. K. Stalin]]<br />(from 2009)
| predecessor = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| successor = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| constituency = [[Chepauk (State Assembly Constituency)|Chepauk]]
| term_start1 = 13 May 1996
| term_end1 = 13 May 2001
| governor1 = [[Marri Chenna Reddy]] (1996) <br /> [[Krishan Kant]] ''(Addition Charge)'' (1996–1997) <br /> [[M. Fathima Beevi]] (from 1997)
| predecessor1 = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| successor1 = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| constituency1 = [[Chepauk (State Assembly Constituency)|Chepauk]]
| term_start2 = 27 January 1989
| term_end2 = 30 January 1991
| governor2 = [[P. C. Alexander]] (until 1990) <br /> [[Surjit Singh Barnala]] (from 1990)
| predecessor2 = [[President's rule]]
| successor2 = [[President's rule]]
| constituency2 = [[Harbour (State Assembly Constituency)|Chennai Harbour]]
| term_start3 = 10 February 1969
| term_end3 = 31 January 1976
| governor3 = [[Ujjal Singh]] (until 1971) <br /> [[Kodardas Kalidas Shah]] (from 1971)
| predecessor3 = [[C. N. Annadurai]]{{Efn|[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]] served acting chief minister for 8 days.}}
| successor3 = [[President's rule]]
| constituency3 = [[Saidapet (State Assembly Constituency)|Saidapet]]
{{collapsed infobox section begin |last = y |Legislative offices
| titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder
| embed = yes
| office5 = [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition]] in [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| 1blankname5 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata5 = [[M. G. Ramachandran]]
| term_start5 = 25 July 1977
| term_end5 = 18 August 1983
| predecessor5 = [[P. G. Karuthiruman]]
| successor5 = [[K. S. G. Haja Shareef]]
| constituency5 = [[Anna Nagar (state assembly constituency)|Anna Nagar]]{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
}}
| office14 = 1st President of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| predecessor14 = ''position established''
| successor14 = [[M. K. Stalin]]
| 1blankname14 = General Secretary
| 1namedata14 = {{ubl|[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]] (till 1977)| [[K. Anbazhagan]] (from 1977)}}
| term_start14 = 27 July 1969
| term_end14 = 7 August 2018
| office6 = [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start6 = 22 May 2011
| term_end6 = 7 August 2018
| predecessor6 = [[U. Mathivanan]]
| successor6 = [[K. Poondi Kalaivanan]]
| constituency6 = [[Tiruvarur (state assembly constituency)|Thiruvarur]]
| term_start7 = 22 May 1996
| term_end7 = 21 May 2011
| predecessor7 = Zeenath Shreiffdeen
| successor7 = ''constituency abolished''
| constituency7 = [[Chepauk (state assembly constituency)|Chepauk]]
| term_start8 = 27 January 1989
| term_end8 = 1 July 1991
| predecessor8 = [[A. Selvarajan]]
| successor8 = Selvarasam
| constituency8 = [[Harbour (state assembly constituency)|Harbour]]
| term_start9 = 1977
| term_end9 = 18 August 1983
| predecessor9 = ''constituency established''
| successor9 = So. Ma. Ramachandran
| constituency9 = [[Anna Nagar (state assembly constituency)|Anna Nagar]]
| term_start10 = 1967
| term_end10 = 1977
| predecessor10 = [[Munu Adhi]]
| successor10 = [[D. Purushothaman]]
| constituency10 = [[Saidapet (state assembly constituency)|Saidapet]]
| term_start11 = 1962
| term_end11 = 1967
| predecessor11 = [[A. Y. S. Parisutha Nadar]]
| successor11 = [[A. Y. S. Parisutha Nadar]]
| constituency11 = [[Thanjavur (state assembly constituency)|Thanjavur]]
| term_start12 = 1 April 1957
| term_end12 = 1962
| predecessor12 = ''constituency established''
| successor12 = V. Ramanathan
| constituency12 = [[Kulithalai (state assembly constituency)|Kulithalai]]
| office13 = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Council|Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council]]
| term_start13 = 30 March 1984<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/7th_1980/7threview_80-84.pdf |title=Review of the Work Transacted by the Seventh Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly 1980-84 |website=assembly.tn.gov.in}}</ref>
| term_end13 = 1 November 1986<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/195458/ |website=indiankanoon.org |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Abolition) Act, 1986}}</ref>
| 1blankname13 = Leader of the House
| 1namedata13 = [[R. M. Veerappan]]
| predecessor13 = K. A. Krishnasway
| successor13 = ''position abolished''
| constituency13 = Elected by MLAs
| birth_name = Muthuvel Karunanidhi
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1924|6|3|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Thirukuvalai]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]<br />{{smaller|(present-day [[Tamil Nadu]], India)}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2018|08|07|1924|6|3|df=yes}}<ref name="Narayan 2018">{{cite news |last1=Narayan |first1=Pushpa |title=M Karunanidhi, DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister, dies aged 94 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/m-karunanidhi-dmk-chief-and-former-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-dies-aged-94/articleshow/65309709.cms |access-date=7 August 2018 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issue=7 August 2018}}</ref>
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| nationality = Indian
| resting_place = [[Anna Memorial|Kalaignar Karunanidhi Ninaividam]]
| party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| otherparty = [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]], [[Dravidar Kazhagam]] (before 1949)
| spouse = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Padmavathi Ammal|1944|1948|end=died}}<br />
{{marriage|Dayalu Ammal|1948}}<br />
{{marriage
|Rajathi Ammal
|1966}}
}}
| relatives = [[Karunanidhi family]]
| children = 6, including [[M. K. Muthu]], [[M. K. Alagiri]], [[M. K. Stalin]] and [[Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]]
| parents =
| residence = * No. 15, 4th Street [[Gopalapuram, Chennai|Gopalapuram]], [[Teynampet]], [[Chennai]]-600086
* No. 14-I, First Main Road, CIT Colony, [[Mylapore]], Chennai
| awards = [[Honorary Doctorate]] (1971)
| signature = Karunanidhi Signature.svg
| website = {{URL|https://kalaignar.dmk.in/}}
| module = {{transliteration|en|En uyirinum melana anbu udan pirappukkale }}<br />("My beloved siblings who are esteemed loftier than my life")<div style="display:inline-block; margin-top:0.4em;">{{center|}}</div>
| nickname = Kalaignar, Mutthamizh Arignar
}}
{{Tamil name|Muthuvel|Karunanidhi}}
'''Muthuvel Karunanidhi''' (3 June 1924 – 7 August 2018), popularly known as '''Kalaignar''' (Artist), was an Indian writer and politician who served as [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] for almost two decades over five terms between 1969 and 2011. He had the longest intermittent tenure as Chief Minister with 6,863 days in office. He was also a long-standing leader of the [[Dravidian movement]] and ten-time president of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] political party. Karunanidhi has the record of never losing an election to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, having won 13 times since his first victory in 1957.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Chandrashekhar |first1=Anandi |last2=Vaitheesvaran |first2=Bharani |title=Karunanidhi Death: M Karunanidhi dies at 94, an era ends in Dravidian politics |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/m-karunanidhi-dies-aged-94-an-era-ends-in-dravidian-politics/articleshow/65309822.cms |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref> Before entering politics, he worked in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]] as a screenwriter. He also made contributions to [[Tamil literature]], having written stories, plays, novels, and a multiple-volume memoir.<ref>{{cite news |title=M Karunanidhi: India's 91-year-old politician who is still fighting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-36253790 |access-date=5 August 2018 |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=13 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/karunas-kutumbam/468573/0 |title=Karunanidhi's Kutumbam |last=Mohan |first=Gopu |date=31 May 2009 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> As such, he is also referred to as ''Mutthamizh Arignar'' (Tamil Scholar) for his contributions to Tamil literature. Dravida Kazhagam prominent leader [[Pattukkottai Alagiri]] conferred the title ''Kalaignar'' on him during "Thookumedi" drama.<ref>{{multiref2|{{cite book|editor1-last= A.S. Panneerselvan |author2=|title= Karunanidhi: A Life
|volume= |publisher= Penguin Random House India Private Limited |year= 2021|page= 62|isbn= 9789390914548 |quote= When this play was staged at Krishna Theatre in Karunthatangudi in Thanjavur, Karunanidhi's earliest political idol, Pattukottai Alagiri conferred the title 'Kalaignar' on him, which virtually became his first name within a decade. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QXEhEAAAQBAJ }}
|{{cite book|editor1-last=R Kannan |author2=|title= MGR: A Life
|volume= |publisher= Penguin Random House India |year= 2017|page= 80|isbn= 9789386495884 |quote= On an earlier occasion, it was for his performance at the play that Dravidar Kazhagam's stormy petrel Pattukottai Azhagiri had conferred the title 'Kalaignar' on him.|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=2mclDwAAQBAJ }}
|{{cite book|editor1-last= K. Thirunavukkarasu |author2=|title=Dravida Iyakka Vergal
|volume= |publisher=Manivasagar Pathippagam |year=1991|page=359|quote=| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ieVGAQAAIAAJ }}
}}</ref> Karunanidhi died on 7 August 2018 at Kauvery Hospital in [[Chennai]] after a series of prolonged, age-related illnesses.<ref name="Narayan 2018" />
Karunanidhi was born in the Tamil Nadu village of [[Thirukkuvalai]] on 3 June 1924. His parents were from the [[Isai Vellalar]] community, a caste of musicians that perform at temples and other social gatherings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abi-Habib |first=Maria |date=13 August 2018 |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi, 94, Screenwriter Turned Politician, Dies |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/13/obituaries/muthuvel-karunanidhi-94-screenwriter-turned-politician-dies.html |access-date=18 July 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Growing up in a caste-ridden culture, Karunanidhi was learned about the crippling circumstances that arose from being born into a [[Shudra|low caste]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/muthuvel-karunanidhi-from-failing-class-x-to-scripting-the-history-of-modern-tamil-nadu/ |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi: From failing Class X to changing the social fabric of Tamil Nadu |date=8 August 2018}}</ref> When he was 14, he formed a student movement against the imposition of [[Hindi]] as [[India's National Language]] during the [[Anti-Hindi agitation of 1937–40]]. This served as a forerunner to Karunanidhi's wider [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|anti-Hindi demonstrations in 1965]].<ref name="Abi-Habib 2018" /> As a high school student, Karunanidhi created the Tamil Nadu Tamil Manavar Mandram, the [[Dravidian movement]]'s first student wing. He also started a news paper during his school days, which grew into the ''[[Murasoli (India)|Murasoli]]'', the DMK's official publication.<ref name="Suri 2018">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/07/asia/muthuvel-karunanidhi-intl/index.html |title=M. Karunanidhi, Indian political icon, dies at 94 |author=Manveena Suri |publisher=CNN |date=7 August 2018}}</ref> Karunanidhi began participating in theatrical productions at a young age, including composing plays. Later on, he started writing for movies.<ref name="Abi-Habib 2018">{{Cite news |last=Abi-Habib |first=Maria |date=13 August 2018 |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi, 94, Screenwriter Turned Politician, Dies |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/13/obituaries/muthuvel-karunanidhi-94-screenwriter-turned-politician-dies.html |access-date=31 December 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As a writer, he wrote screenplays, historical novels, screenplays, biographies, poems and novels.<ref name="Narasimhan 2018">{{Cite news |last=Narasimhan |first=T. E. |date=7 August 2018 |title=End of an era: DMK President M Karunanidhi passes away at 94 |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/end-of-an-era-dmk-president-m-karunanidhi-passes-away-118080701039_1.html |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref> He utilised his writing to propagate reformist ideals effectively.<ref name="Kazmin 2018" /> He wrote the script and dialogue for [[M. G. Ramachandran]]'s maiden film as a hero, ''[[Rajakumari (1947 film)|Rajakumari]]''. He also composed the dialogue for Sivaji Ganesan's debut film, ''[[Parasakthi (1952 film)|Parasakthi]]''.<ref name="BBC News 2018" /><ref>{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=7 August 2018 |title=Karunanidhi: The script writer who wrote Tamil Nadu's destiny |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/karunanidhi-the-script-writer-who-wrote-tamil-nadu-s-destiny-118080701065_1.html |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref> He was critical of organised religion and superstition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 August 2018 |title=Tamil leader Karunanidhi, crusader for social justice, dies |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/india-politician-idINKBN1KT0GT |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref> He was an [[Atheism|atheist]] and a self-described [[Rationalism|rationalist]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2018 |title=M Karunanidhi: Veteran Indian politician dies at 94 |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45002553 |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="Kazmin 2018">{{Cite news |last=Kazmin |first=Amy |date=10 August 2018 |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi, Indian politician and screenwriter, 1924–2018 |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a010f052-9b31-11e8-ab77-f854c65a4465 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/a010f052-9b31-11e8-ab77-f854c65a4465 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref>
Karunanidhi started his political career in 1957, when he was voted to the Madras state legislature. When the DMK first entered the state legislature the following year, he was named treasurer and deputy leader of the opposition. Karunanidhi ascended quickly through the ranks. After the death of [[C. N. Annadurai|C.N. Annadurai]] in 1969, he became the DMK's leader and Chief minister of Tamil Nadu<ref name="Suri 2018" /> and led the party to a landslide win in the 1971 Assembly elections.<ref name="Kolappan 2018">{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=27 July 2018 |title=M. Karunanidhi: at the 50th year of being at the helm of DMK |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-50-years-at-the-helm-of-dmk/article24524314.ece |access-date=31 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He was influenced by the rationalist and egalitarian ideology of [[Periyar]] and DMK founder C N Annadurai.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/dmk-chief-and-former-tamil-nadu-cm-m-karunanidhi-dies/314652 |title=DMK Chief And Former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi Dies |website=outlookindia.com/ |date=14 February 2022}}</ref> Karunanidhi was among those who fought [[Indira Gandhi]]'s [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]] in 1975 which led to governments getting dismissed in 1976.<ref name="Titan 2018">{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/karunanidhi-dead-tamil-nadu-dmk-mk-stalin-5296780/ |title=M Karunanidhi (1924–2018): A Titan Departs |date=8 August 2018}}</ref> In the 1976 Assembly elections, he gave the Congress 50 per cent of the seats, but the partnership fell apart, and MGR prevailed. After MGR's death in 1989, he led the party to power.<ref name="Kolappan 2018" /> His administration was dismissed in 1991 for its alleged links with the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE).<ref name="Titan 2018" /> He came to power in the state in 1996 after forming a partnership with the [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] and joined the [[United Front (India, 1996)|United Front]] led by [[H. D. Deve Gowda|Deve Gowda]] in the centre. His party allied with the BJP in 1999.<ref name="Kolappan 2018" /> He was arrested from his house in 2001 by the police on the orders of [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalithaa]] as an act of vendetta over alleged losses in construction of fly-overs.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> In the Lok Sabha elections of 2004, he teamed up with the Congress and won by a landslide.<ref name="Kolappan 2018" /> He became a chief minister again in 2006.<ref name="Titan 2018" /> In April 2009, then-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi held a six-hour hunger strike to demand a ceasefire in the Sri Lankan civil war. The controversial fast was widely seen as a political move to gain electoral support for the DMK, particularly since it was held just before the general elections.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gunasekaran |first1=M |date=28 April 2009 |title=Karuna goes on sudden fast, ends it even faster |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karuna-goes-on-sudden-fast-ends-it-even-faster/articleshow/4453257.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=20 October 2025}}</ref> In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he contested alone and lost. In 2016, he made his son Stalin as leader of opposition for the DMK become the Tamil Nadu Assembly's biggest opposition party.<ref name="Kolappan 2018" />
During his political career, Karunanidhi advocated for increased [[State (polity)|state autonomy]] and [[affirmative action]] to favour lower castes.<ref name="Kazmin 2018" /> He implemented a caste-based quota system for government employment and government school students, as well as subsidies to the poor. His initiatives were quickly adopted in other Indian states. His initiatives earned him popularity among the [[Caste|lower castes]].<ref name="Abi-Habib 2018" /> He was frequently confronted with accusations of [[nepotism]].<ref name="BBC News 2018" /> He has also stirred controversies by publicly supporting the LTTE and other separatist groups in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/karunanidhi-doyen-dravidian-686169.html |title=Obituary: Karunanidhi, the doyen of Dravidian politics |date=7 August 2018 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref> During his different tenures, he implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting the expansion of industry in the state.<ref name="Narasimhan 2018" /> He was also instrumental in erecting a 133-foot [[Thiruvalluvar Statue|monument of Thiruvalluvar]] in Kanyakumari<ref name="Narasimhan 2018" /> and ensuring classical language status to [[Tamil language]].<ref name="Deccan Chronicle 2018" />
Karunanidhi was born on 3 June 1924, in the village of [[Thirukkuvalai]] in [[Tanjore District (Madras Presidency)|Tanjore district]] (currently [[Nagapattinam district]]), [[Madras Presidency]], to Ayyadurai Muthuvel and Anjugam. He had two elder sisters, Periyanayaki and Shanmugasundari.<ref name="Ravishankar 2018a">{{cite book |last=Ravishankar |first=Sandhya |title=Karunanidhi: A Life in Politics |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wzJVDwAAQBAJ |date=31 May 2018 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers India |isbn=978-93-5277-920-8}}</ref>{{Page needed|date=April 2020}} There was some misconception that his birth name was Dakshinamurthy,<ref name="Hindustan Times 2018">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-dies-in-chennai-the-dravidan-sun-has-set/story-7f3xqaTm6Qul57dc91iKXM.html |title=Kalaignar Karunanidhi dies in Chennai: The colossus of Dravidian politics |date=7 August 2018 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref> later changed to Karunanidhi as influenced by [[Dravidian movement|Dravidian]] and [[rationalism|rationalist movements]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-dravidian-stalwart-passes-away/article24624489.ece |title=Obituary: M. Karunanidhi, Dravidian stalwart |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=7 August 2018 |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 August 2018 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Anand |first1=S. |title=With Them / Against Them |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/with-them-against-them/218704 |access-date=9 August 2018 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=27 January 2003}}</ref> Karunanidhi himself stated that [[C.N. Annadurai]] asked him to keep his birthname "Karunanidhi", since it is already popular among the people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 July 2018 |title=கருணாநிதி – பெயர் வந்தது எப்படி? |work=Sun News |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-_Rgm2ILRY |access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=April 2020}} In his own writings Karunanidhi said that his family were of the [[Isai Vellalar]], a community who had traditionally played musical instruments at ceremonial occasions;<ref name="Ravishankar 2018a" /><ref name="Hindustan Times 2018" /> however his political rival [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and some observers contested that and said that he was of [[Telugu people|Telugu ancestry]].<ref>For claims of Karunanidhi's Telugu ancestry see: *{{Cite news |url=http://www.news18.com/blogs/politics/vvp-sharma/after-series-of-outsider-chief-ministers-sasikala-to-be-first-tamil-cm-after-29-years-14329-1345645.html |title=After Series of 'Outsiders', Sasikala to be first Tamil CM in 29 Years |work=[[News18]] |last=Sharma |first=V. V. P. |date=8 February 2017 |access-date=9 August 2018}} *{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/no-real-tamil-speaking-leaders-in-tn.html |title=No real Tamil-speaking leaders in TN! |work=[[The Pioneer (India)|The Pioneer]] |last=Chellappan |first=Kumar |date=23 December 2014 |access-date=9 August 2018}} *{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/tamil-pride-what-s-that/story-ohWnEClFyFeYwjAzxax57L.html |title=Tamil pride: What's that? |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=4 May 2006 |access-date=9 August 2018}}</ref> Karunanidhi started his education at a local school. Karunanidhi's father was eager to teach him music. His music teachers were from the Isai Vellalar group, and the lessons were conducted in temples where he was not allowed to cover his upper body, wear slippers, or wear a cotton cloth around his hips as a sign of respect for the [[Caste system in India|upper caste]] people. He couldn't tolerate learning in an environment where he wasn't treated with respect, which made his father agree to stop his music classes. His father also asked the local headmaster to set up special tutoring courses for Karunanidhi and paid a tuition fee of milk every morning and evening.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=25}}<ref name="Panneerselvan 2018">{{cite web |last=Panneerselvan |first=A.S. |title=Relentless legislator |website=Frontline |date=17 August 2018 |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article24703216.ece |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref>{{blockquote|My music lessons were actually my first political studies. I learnt about the oppression of humans based on their caste. I saw the delight with which certain individuals could humiliate others, and the self-righteousness of others in carrying out their customs without realising that they were mistreating a large majority of the people.<ref name="Panneerselvan 2018" />
}}
At the age of 12, he left to [[Thiruvarur]] to start his high school.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=26}} Karunanidhi started to organise school students for the [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|anti-Hindi agitations]].{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=29}} The deaths of two anti-Hindi agitators by the police made a profound impact on him.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=31}} At the age of 13, he wrote his first Tamil historical novel titled ''Selvachandira''.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
== Entry into politics and early writing career ==
Karunanidhi entered politics at the age of 14, inspired by a speech by [[Pattukkottai Alagiri]] of the [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]], and participated in [[Anti-Hindi agitations]].<ref name="The Hindu 2018">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/karunanidhis-political-innings-a-timeline/article24616380.ece |title=Karunanidhi's political innings: A timeline |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 August 2018}}</ref> As a teenager he was captivated by the political writings of Tamil leaders including [[Panaganti Ramarayaningar|Panagal Arasar]], [[Periyar]] and [[Pattukkottai Alagiri]] (after whom Karunanidhi later named one of his sons). Karunanidhi joined the [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|anti-Hindi protests]] sparked by the provincial government's legislation making Hindi-education mandatory in schools, and in 1938 organised a group of boys to hold demonstrations travelling around Tiruvarur on a [[cycle rickshaw]]. The law was rescinded in 1939. The taste for activism however stuck and in the ensuing years, after a brief flirtation with [[Communism]], Karunanidhi started following the work and speeches of leaders of [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]], [[Self-Respect Movement]] and [[Dravidar Kazhagam]].<ref name="Ravishankar 2018a" /> According to Karunanidhi, he joined the Periyar's movement when he saw his father hurriedly rising and tied his towel to his waist from his head as a gesture of servitude when an upper caste landlord walked past him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=G. |date=12 April 2011 |title=Karunanidhi turns nostalgic |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Karunanidhi-turns-nostalgic/article14679694.ece |access-date=1 January 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
At the age of fifteen, Karunanidhi started his own magazine ''Maanavanesan'' ({{translation|friends of students}}). He along with his friends would make fifty copies of the magazine and circulate it and also sometimes mailed them to the leaders of Self-respect movement.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=33}} A political activist after reading his magazine asked him to lead the forum for peace, liberty equality and justice, he accepted and became its elected secretary. Later, he dissolved the forum after there was a blatant attempt to convert the forum into as a front of the [[Congress party]]. He refunded the subscription money many refused to take the refund.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=34}} Using the rest of ₹75, he started the Tamil Nadu Tamil students association in 1941.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=35}} In 1942, the association held an annual function attended by [[Bharathidasan]] [[K. Anbazhagan|K.A Anbazhagan]] and [[K. A. Mathiazhagan]] and student leaders from [[Annamalai University]]. He couldn't afford to pay for the invitees' and guest speakers' travels and expenditures, so he was forced to steal a gold necklace that his mother had made for him but which he rarely wore, pawned it for ₹50, and paid his invitees.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=35}}
As his writings were gaining popularity in Thiruvarur, he started ''[[Murasoli (India)|Murasoli]]'' to widen his publishing platform. Its writer and chief editor was Karunanidhi, and its secretary was his friend Thennavan. It had a large print run, was mailed to many Tamil political organisations, and was in the forefront of the fight against [[caste]], social isolation, sophistry, and supremacy.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=35}} He wrote a critical piece in Murasoli titled "''Varnama, Maanama?"'' in 1944 when a conference was organised by conservatives in support of [[Varna (Hinduism)|varna system]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/murasoli-the-first-child-of-karunanidhi/article24548789.ece |title=Murasoli, the first child of Karunanidhi |first=B. |last=Kolappan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 August 2018}}</ref>{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=35}} He penned an article named 'Ilamaibali' (Youth Sacrifice) and sent it to C.N Annadurai's ''Dravida Nadu'' magazine. It appeared in the next issue. For a week, he wandered the streets of Thiruvarur with a print in hand, persuading many others to read it. He also penned an article that was never published. Within a week, Annadurai arrived in Thiruvarur for a public gathering and asked for Karunanidhi, he was stunned to find Karunanidhi as an 18-year-old school student. He instructed him to cease writing until he completed his education and asked him not to send any more articles.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=36}}<ref name="Failed 2020">{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/karunanidhi-failed-board-exams-thrice-annadurai-told-him-to-study-not-write-on-revolution/412840/ |title=Karunanidhi failed board exams thrice. Annadurai told him to study, not write on revolution |website=[[ThePrint]] |date=3 May 2020}}</ref> Karunanidhi refused to go back as a school student.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=36}}
He failed three times in his final exams. During the result day, unable to face his family over his third consecutive failure, he left to [[Thopputhurai]] in search of his classmate Asan Abdul Kaathar who consoled him. He then started his passion of writing as a career.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=37}} In Thiruvarur, he started writing and staging plays. These plays served as a channel for the Dravidian movement's ideology to spread. In Thiruvarur, he presented a play named ''Palaniappan'' to raise cash for his student association. The total amount collected was only ₹80, despite the fact that the performance had cost him ₹200 to stage. He had no idea how he was going to repay the debt he owed to the individuals who were now harassing him for it. He travelled with his friend Thennavan for Nagapattinam, keen to take his chances somewhere else and met with R. V Gopal, a local leader of the Dravidar Kazhagam. Gopal sympathised with his situation but was hesitant to lend him the money but Instead bought the play for ₹100. The sale of his first play made his to write more ideological plays.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=37}}{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=38}}<ref name="Failed 2020" />
His parents didn't approve of his writing career. They advised him to look for a job that would pay him at least ₹50 per month. He was determined on not taking a regular job. Karunanidhi then fell in love with a girl. He was certain that the girl was infatuated with him as well. When he and his family met the girl's parents, they demanded that if a wedding was to take place, it must be performed in the presence of [[Brahmin priest]]s and [[vedic chanting]]. Karunanidhi rejected, citing his belief in the [[Self-Respect Movement]] as justification.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=38}}<ref name="Failed 2020" />
After marriage, he worked as a playwright through the help of R.V Gopal who help his earlier with his play.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=42}} Their first camp for the troupe was at Villupuram where he was joined by his friends Thennavan and C.T Murthy. Their plays failed to bring people even after the attendance of Periyar and Annadurai. The failure was due to their comments against the caste prejudices, the troupe was named "Dravida Theatre group", the term "Dravida" was perceived to be a term for [[Dalit]]s and hence non-Dalits boycotted it.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=43}} The troupe started to play in [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]] which was at the time a hub for social cultural and political change. His plays were an instant success and people started to call him as "Sivaguru", the name of his character.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=43}} During his stay in Pondicherry, Karunanidhi penned "''That Pen!''" a criticism of Gandhi and the Congress centred on a pen which was lost from the [[Sabarmati Ashram]], which infuriated the congress workers. He followed up with a piece titled "''What If Gandhi Became Viceroy?''" Later, members of the congress attacked a public gathering in Pondicherry attended by Periyar, Annadurai, and Pattukottai Azhagirisamy. Karunanidhi was chased down and beaten until he fell unconscious. They dropped his unconscious body into the sewers and departed, thinking he was dead. He was nursed back by an old women and taken to Periyar who applied medicines to him and took him to Erode along with him where he worked as an assistant editor with Periyar's ''[[Kudi Arasu]]'' magazine in [[Erode]] for a year.{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=44}}{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=45}}{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=46}}<ref name="Ravishankar 2018b">{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/881373/when-karunanidhi-was-beaten-unconscious-by-congress-workers-for-criticising-gandhi |title=When Karunanidhi was beaten unconscious by Congress workers for criticising Gandhi |first=Sandhya |last=Ravishankar |website=Scroll.in |date=6 June 2018}}</ref>
== Early political career ==
Karunanidhi along with a group of young band of Tamil enthusiasts led by Annadurai dissented from [[Dravidar Kazhagam]] and formed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on 17 September 1949.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/070818/karunanidhi-dmks-captain-of-50-years-returns-to-pavilion.html |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi, DMK's captain of 50 years returns to pavilion |first=M. R. |last=Venkatesh |date=7 August 2018 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
=== Kallakudi demonstration ===
{{Main|Kallakudi demonstration}}
The first major protest that aided Karunanidhi in gaining ground in Tamil politics was his involvement in the [[Kallakudi demonstration]] in [[Kallakudi]] in 1953 when he was 29. The original name of this industrial town was Kallakudi. Kallakudi was renamed as "Dalmiapuram" by the state administration led by [[C. Rajagopalachari|Rajagopalachari]] to commemorate the [[North India]]n business magnate Ram Krishan Dalmia, who owned a cement factory there.<ref name="Yamunan 2018">{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/824295/m-karunanidhi-1924-2018-five-time-tamil-nadu-cm-dravidian-champion-gritty-political-survivor |title=M Karunanidhi (1924–2018): Five-time Tamil Nadu CM, Dravidian champion, gritty political survivor |first=Sruthisagar |last=Yamunan |website=Scroll.in |date=7 August 2018}}</ref> DMK wanted to change the name back to Kallakudi because Ram Krishna Dalmia depicted north Indian hegemonic power and predatory businesses. In the protest Karunanidhi and his companions erased the name Dalmiapuram from the railway station and lay down on the tracks blocking the course of trains. Six people died in the protest and Karunanidhi was arrested and was sent to jail for six months.<ref>[[#Ramaswamy|Ramaswamy 1997]], p. 226</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-kallakudi-agitation-became-turning-point-karunanidhi-s-political-life-145744 |title=How the Kallakudi agitation became a turning point in Karunanidhi's political life |date=23 March 2021 |website=The News Minute}}</ref>
=== MLA and deputy leader of opposition ===
At the age of 33, Karunanidhi entered the Tamil Nadu assembly by winning the [[Kulithalai]] seat in Tiruchirapalli during the 1957 election among the 15 DMK legislators elected and were elected as the [[Chief Whip]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/karunanidhi-became-mla-13-times-once-1984-he-didnt-contest-86198 |title=Karunanidhi became an MLA 13 times, but once in 1984, he didn't contest |date=8 August 2018 |website=The News Minute}}</ref> During the 1959 elections of the [[Madras Municipal Corporation]], he was managing the party campaigns, the party won 45 out of the 90 contested.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> He was elected as DMK treasurer on 25 September 1960.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> Karunanidhi was elected to the state assembly for the second time on 21 February 1962, from the [[Thanjavur (state assembly constituency)|Thanjavur constituency]]. He defeated Congress candidate [[A.Y.S. Parisutha Nadar]].<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> In the same year, he became the deputy leader of opposition in the state assembly.<ref name="BBC News 2018">{{Cite news |date=7 August 2018 |title=M Karunanidhi: The radical wordsmith who shook up Indian politics |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-45093900 |access-date=8 August 2018}}</ref>
During this time, Karunanidhi recognised the necessity for a regular engagement with party cadres. He began sending daily letters to his party members, whom he referred to as ''udan pirappukal'' (blood brothers), a practice he followed for fifty years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/when-karunanidhi-starred-in-the-anti-hindi-agitation/cid/1778161 |title=When Karunanidhi starred in the anti-Hindi agitation |website=The Telegraph (India)}}</ref>
=== 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitations and imprisonment ===
{{Main|Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu}}
[[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu]] started when the Union government announced that [[Hindi]] would become the single official language. The DMK, led by CN Annadurai, planned to organise a series of rallies against the action and declared 26 January to be a day of mourning. Chants of 'Hindi Ozhiga, Tamil Vaazhga' (Down with Hindi, long live Tamil) were heard everywhere. Violence continued across the state and several set themselves on fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/01/29020437/1060032/An-agitation-to-remember.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615195721/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/01/29020437/1060032/An-agitation-to-remember.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2021 |title=An agitation to remember |date=29 January 2018 |website=dtNext.in}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> Karunanidhi, the leader of the DMK's anti-Hindi agitation, was arrested on 16 February 1965, and was sentenced to six months imprisonment at the [[Palayamkottai Central Prison|Central Prison in Palayamkottai]].<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> He was later released at 15 April 1985.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/tamil/india-44974115 |title='கலைஞர்' கருணாநிதி: வாழ்க்கை குறிப்பு |newspaper=BBC News தமிழ்}}</ref>
=== Cabinet Minister of state ===
Annadurai declared Karunnanidhi as a DMK candidate for the February [[1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election]], at the DMK's State-level meeting at [[Virugambakkam]], Chennai. Karunanidhi, as DMK treasurer, raised ₹11 lakh for the party's election campaign.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> For the first time, the DMK was elected with an absolute majority in February 1967 and Annadurai became the Chief minister.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> After being elected to the [[Saidapet (state assembly constituency)|Saidapet Assembly constituency]] in Chennai in March 1967, Karunanidhi was appointed as the Minister of [[Tamil Nadu Public Works Department]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/080818/hard-early-days-shape-m-karunanidhis-cosmopolitan-outlook.html |title=Hard early days shape M Karunanidhi's cosmopolitan outlook |date=8 August 2018 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
On 14 January 1969, under CN Annadurai's administration, [[Madras State]] was rechristened as Tamil Nadu.{{citation needed |date= March 2025}} Karunanidhi was in control of five ministries at the time: Transportation, Public Works, Highways, Ports, and Minor Irrigation.{{citation needed|date= March 2025}}
== First term as Chief minister (1969–1971) ==
{{See also|First Karunanidhi ministry}}
On 3 February 1969, the existing chief minister Annadurai died of [[cancer]]. On 9 February 1969, the DMK's MLAs chose Karunanidhi to lead the party with help of M. G. Ramachandran who his long-time friend. He was also chosen as the DMK's legislative assembly leader. Karunanidhi was appointed chief minister on 10 February 1969, the next day and was sworn in by Governor [[Sardar Ujjal Singh]].<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> Members of the DMK selected him as the leader of the DMK on 27 July 1969, a position that had been kept vacant during Annadurai's tenure in honour of Periyar.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/08/where-the-legend-of-karunanidhi-began-1854852.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808114737/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/08/where-the-legend-of-karunanidhi-began-1854852.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2018 |title=Where the legend of Karunanidhi began |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
The six Ministers of Annadurai's Cabinet were kept by Karunanidhi. In addition to his own ministries, Karunanidhi took on the ministries of late Annadurai and [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan|Nedunchezhiyan]], who had refused to join his cabinet.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
He once found himself in a difficult situation in the state Assembly when members of the Congress party and Rajagopalachari's [[Swatantra Party]] hammered him and his amateur ministers with hard questions. Swatantra Party MP [[H. V. Hande|HV Hande]] described his new government as 'third rate.' Karunanidhi sprang up and exclaimed, 'Sorry, this is not third-rate government', This is a fourth-rate government." The house was startled for a few minutes. Some people believed Karunanidhi had admitted to the government's incompetence. Then Karunanidhi indicated that his government of [[Shudra]]s, the lowest caste in the [[Caste system in India|caste hierarchy]] which enraged the opposition.<ref name="Yamunan 2018" />
Karunanidhi started sending letters to his party members in Murasoli, opening with the words "Udan pirappe" (My blood brothers). These letters covered a wide range of themes, including the DMK's philosophy, his justifications for various party actions, and encouragements to party members to work very hard throughout electoral campaigns, among other things. Karunanidhi sent around 7,000 of these letters to party leaders between 1969 and his death in December 2016. They were later published in seven volumes.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
Karunanidhi sponsored and presided over a State Autonomy Conference in Madras on 12 September 1970, which included Periyar, West Bengal Chief Minister Ajoy Mukherjee, numerous Parliamentarians, and other dignitaries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-karunanidhi-pitched-greater-state-autonomy-1970s-151669 |title=How Karunanidhi pitched for greater state autonomy in the 1970s |date=3 July 2021 |website=The News Minute}}</ref>
During his tenure, he granted legal status to [[Self-Respect marriages]] and implemented a number of other programs aimed at protecting women and children.<ref name="News18 2019">{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/karunanidhi-the-social-reformer-who-changed-the-landcape-of-tamil-nadu-politics-1837827.html |title=Social Equality was Karunanidhi's Focus During Five Terms as Tamil Nadu CM |date=11 March 2019 |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> Karunanidhi's administration established the Sattanathan commission for backward classes in 1969 to recognise underprivileged groups and give them with representation in government employment and educational institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/889760/with-pioneering-schemes-karunanidhi-was-a-champion-of-social-justice-both-in-words-and-in-deeds |title=With pioneering schemes, Karunanidhi provided a model for the politics of social justice in India |first=Karthick Ram |last=Manoharan |website=Scroll.in |date=10 August 2018}}</ref> He implemented the "Manu Needhi Thittam", which mandated district officials to set aside a day every week to hear public grievances, and set up grievance redress procedures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Amarnath K. |title=RIP Kalaignar, a towering torchbearer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20180820-a-towering-torchbearer-1309433-2018-08-10 |website=India Today |date=10 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Karunanidhi founded the [[Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board]] in September 1970 to build permanent houses for those living in slums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powered by 'basic' politics |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/aug/13/powered-by-basic-politics-1856858.html |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=The New Indian Express |date=13 August 2018}}</ref> His government gave free eye surgeries for the blind from the 'Kannoli Thittam"<ref name="The News Minute 2018">{{Cite web |date=7 August 2018 |title=Self-respect weddings to transgender rights: Karunanidhi, a leader of minorities |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/self-respect-weddings-transgender-rights-karunanidhi-leader-minorities-86159 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> In 1970, he proposed the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Reduction of Ceiling on Land) Act, which cut the maximum amount of land a family could possess up to 15 standard acres, down from 30 acres under the previous Congress rule.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/m-karunanidhi-1924-2018-an-atheist-who-spoke-of-god-in-the-smile-of-the-poor-5296749/ |title=M Karunanidhi (1924–2018): An atheist who spoke of God in the smile of the poor |date=8 August 2018}}</ref>
== Second term as Chief Minister (1971–1976) ==
{{See also|Second Karunanidhi ministry}}
In March 1971, Karunanidhi formed an alliance with the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] headed by [[Indira Gandhi]], on the precondition that her party will not contest in any Assembly seats. In March 1971, the DMK contests for both the [[1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|Assembly]] and the [[1971 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|Lok Sabha]]. The DMK-Congress combination beat the [[Swatantra Party]]-[[Indian National Congress (Organisation)|Congress (Organisation)]] alliance led by [[Kamaraj]] and [[C. Rajagopalachari]]. The DMK won a landslide victory, with its candidates capturing 184 of the 234 seats on the ballot. Karunanidhi is re-elected as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time. He was elected from Saidapet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/mar/02/when-karunanidhi-and-indira-gandhi-defeated-kamaraj--rajaji-1945612.html |title=When Karunanidhi and Indira Gandhi defeated Kamaraj & Rajaji |website=The New Indian Express |date=March 2019}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi dismissed DMK's Treasurer M.G. Ramachandran from the party. He made this decision in response to a request from 26 of the executive council's 31 members. Karunanidhi later described the decision as "painful" at a public platform.<ref name="Rajasekaran 2021">{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/withering-leaves-aiadmk-leadership-crisis/article37299780.ece |title=Withering leaves: AIADMK's leadership crisis |first=Ilangovan |last=Rajasekaran |website=Frontline |date=6 November 2021}}</ref> The DMK send him a requisition accusing him of breaking party rules. MGR said he was banned because he "demanded the party's finances, especially those connected to elections".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Rising-star-The-suspension-that-gave-birth-to-the-AIADMK/article15614155.ece |title=Rising star: The suspension that gave birth to the AIADMK |first=Sunitha |last=Sekar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 October 2016}}</ref> But the finances were submitted to the party executive committee. There had been conflict in the past, with MGR wanting to be Health Minister but Karunanidhi unwilling to satisfy him.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> On 17 October 1972, MGR founded the ADMK.<ref name="Rajasekaran 2021" />
M Karunanidhi in 1970 issued an order that he said would "eliminate the thorn in the heart" of social reformer Periyar. The decree made it possible for people of all castes to become priests in public temples. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/888558/tamil-nadu-has-appointed-its-first-non-brahmin-priest-finally-fulfilling-karunanidhis-2006-reform |title=Tamil Nadu has appointed its first non-Brahmin priest, finally fulfilling Karunanidhi's 2006 reform |first=Sruthisagar |last=Yamunan |website=Scroll.in |date=30 July 2018}}</ref>
Until 1973, Governors raised the national flag in state capitals on both Republic Day and Independence Day. Karunanidhi protested in February of that year that the Chief Ministers were "ignored" on Independence Day and Republic Day. In view of the Rajamannar Committee's report on Centre-State relations(1969–1971) being submitted at the time, he was reinforcing his call for State autonomy. In July, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave in to his demands, announcing that Chief Ministers would now hoist the flag on Independence Day, while Governors would do so on Republic Day. Karunanidhi became the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to raise the national flag at Fort St. George on 15 August 1974.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/karunanidhi-secured-a-precious-right-for-all-the-chief-ministers/article24548803.ece |title=Karunanidhi secured a precious right for all the Chief Ministers |first=T. |last=Ramakrishnan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 August 2018}}</ref>
Karunanidhi launched the "Beggar rehabitation scheme" on his 48th birthday on 3 June 1971, and begged for funds for the scheme from shopkeepers near his residence, collecting ₹3,000 and said "Begging is not an insult to the person doing the begging. But it is an insult to the country and society that made him a beggar."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/jul/30/beggars-rehabilitation-scheme-stalin-to-take-up-fathers-long-fought-cause-2337478.html |title=Beggars Rehabilitation Scheme: Stalin to take up father's long-fought cause? |website=The New Indian Express |date=30 July 2021}}</ref> Karunanidhi established the Government Servants' Family Benefit Fund Scheme to give financial compensation to an employee's relatives in the event that he loses his job owing to permanent complete disability, medical incapacity, or death.<ref name="Jauhri 2018">{{Cite news |last=Jauhri |first=Shivansh |date=7 August 2018 |title=Five top socio-economic policies of late DMK leader M Karunanidhi |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/five-top-socio-economic-policies-of-late-dmk-leader-m-karunanidhi-118080701061_1.html |access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref> In 1971, his government increased reservation for BC from 25% to 31% and the reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) from 16% to 18%. Karunanidhi established a separate Ministry for the Welfare of the backward class, the first such in the country.<ref name="The Hindu 2021">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/over-6000-farmers-in-coimbatore-to-get-free-power-connection/article37144852.ece |title=Over 6,000 farmers in Coimbatore to get free power connection |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 October 2021}}</ref> During 1973, women were first inducted into the police force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/politics/134171-tamilnadus-first-women-police-batch-pays-homage-to-karunanidhi |title='கருணாநிதியால் கிடைத்த அங்கீகாரம் இது!' - கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி செலுத்திய பெண் காவலர்கள் |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |date=16 August 2018}}</ref>
=== The Emergency and government dismissal ===
{{Main|The Emergency (India)}}
He resisted to let the Emergency's on Tamil Nadu for approximately seven months, until his administration was ousted on 31 January 1976. Karunanidhi was a supporter of Jayaparakash Narayan's anti-Emergency campaign and was the first one to ally with his [[Janata Party]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/an-island-of-democracy/article24703897.ece |title=An island of democracy |first=R. Vijaya |last=Sankar |website=Frontline |date=17 August 2018}}</ref> During an event at Don Bosco School, Karunanidhi stated, "Most likely, this would be my final public function as Chief Minister." He was dismissed before he even got home form the function. This occurred just 50 days before his tenure ended. The DMK suffered a great deal of damage once it was dismissed. 25,000 members of the party including Karunanidhi's close relatives and friends were imprisoned. His maternal uncle [[Murasoli Maran]] and his son [[M. K. Stalin|M.K Stalin]] suffered health issues from torture and [[C. Chittibabu]] died trying to save M.K Stalin in prison.<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Priyamvatha P. |date=3 May 2021 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly-polls-2021/story/mk-stalin-s-perseverance-finally-pays-off-as-sun-and-son-rise-in-tamil-nadu-1798184-2021-05-03 |title=MK Stalin's perseverance finally pays off as 'sun' and son rise in Tamil Nadu |magazine=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2018/11/11015810/1095146/How-Emergency-impacted-Madras.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722082111/https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2018/11/11015810/1095146/How-Emergency-impacted-Madras.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 July 2021 |title=How Emergency impacted Madras |date=11 November 2018 |website=dtNext.in}}</ref> He sent ₹200 a month to their families of jailed DMK members through the party office.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/how-karunanidhi-outwitted-morarji-desai-cs-indira-gandhi/article24629313.ece |title=How Karunanidhi outwitted Morarji Desai, CS, Indira Gandhi |first=D. Suresh |last=Kumar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 August 2018}}</ref>
A one-man [[Sarkaria Commission]] was established in February 1976 under Supreme Court judge [[Ranjit Singh Sarkaria]], shortly after the Indira Gandhi government ousted the DMK administration after allegations of corruption were made by opposition leader MGR. DMK tried to make out that the investigation was an act of political vendetta. The Sarkaria commission described the evidence on the claims as "cogent, convincing, and reliable."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/on-scientific-corruption-and-recommendation-letters/article29102489.ece |title=On scientific corruption and 'recommendation letters' |first=D. Suresh |last=Kumar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19770415-sarkaria-commission-karunanidhi-partially-guilty-823648-2014-08-04 |title=Sarkaria Commission: Karunanidhi partially guilty |date=4 August 2014 |orig-date=15 April 1977 |website=India Today}}</ref> Although none of the corruption charges against him were proved.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/karunanidhi-a-visionary-and-a-reformist-pushing-for-social-justice-biographer-vasanthi/1823441 |title=Karunanidhi a visionary and a reformist pushing for social justice: Biographer Vasanthi |website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref>
== Leader of the opposition (1977–1983) ==
AIADMK led alliance won 34 seats out of 39 seats in the [[1977 Indian general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/mar/03/emergency-period-interval-block-for-tamil-nadu-politics-as-admk-enters-fray-1945975.html |title=Emergency period: Interval block for Tamil Nadu politics as ADMK enters fray |website=The New Indian Express |date=3 March 2019}}</ref> Top party figures such as general secretary V.R. Nedunchezhiyan, K. Rajaram and S. Madhavan quit accusing Karunanidhi for the DMK's failure in the general elections and demanded Karunanidhi to resign as the party's leader.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> Later, DMK lost the [[1977 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], Karunanidhi won from Anna Nagar consistency and became the leader of the opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/08033353/1083340/Golden-moments-of-glorious-M-Karunanidhi.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227192106/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/08033353/1083340/Golden-moments-of-glorious-M-Karunanidhi.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 December 2021 |title=Golden moments of glorious M Karunanidhi |date=8 August 2018 |website=dtNext.in}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
On 29 October 1977, DMK supporters brandished black flags and yelled "Go back, Indira!" as she exited the [[Madras Airport]] for dissolving the DMK government in 1975. Indira Gandhi's vehicle was unable to pass through the black flag barrier in [[Madurai]]. Karunanidhi violated the police prohibition in Madras and led protests in [[Guindy]]. Karunanidhi and 28 other DMK leaders were detained the next day and were held in judicial custody.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/black-flag-dmks-brahmastra-that-never-missed-the-mark/articleshow/63790557.cms |title=Black flag: DMK's 'brahmastra' that never missed the mark |website=The Times of India |date=17 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
MGR offered a kind hand to the [[Morarji Desai]] government, while Karunanidhi renewed his alliance with Indira Gandhi. When Indira returned to power following the untimely end of Desai's government, she lost no time in dissolving MGR's cabinet. In the [[1980 Indian general election]] and [[1980 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], the state voted in favour of the AIADMK. MGR was re-elected as Chief Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2021/03/03172742/1278460/The-Road-To-Tamil-Nadu-Elections-2021.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415144658/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2021/03/03172742/1278460/The-Road-To-Tamil-Nadu-Elections-2021.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 April 2021 |title=The Road To Tamil Nadu Elections 2021 |date=3 March 2021 |website=dtNext.in}}</ref> Karunanidhi was elected from [[Anna Nagar (state assembly constituency)|Anna Nagar consistency]] again.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> In February 1982, Karunanidhi embarked on a week-long [[padayatra]] from Madurai to Tiruchendur, spanning about 200 kilometres, in order to seek 'justice' for Subramania Pillai, a [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] ([[HR & CE]]) officer who was found dead in November 1980. There were allegations that he was assassinated to cover financial misappropriation in the [[Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur|Tiruchendur temple]]. While Chief Minister MGR said the victim died by suicide, the DMK claimed it was an assassination. Karunanidhi walked over 30 kilometres during the day with a large crowd of cadres and leaders, stopping for lunch in small towns along the way. He gave public speeches in the evenings. The number of persons joining the padayatra grew by the day, and it became a topic of conversation in every family. The ruling government alarmed by the DMK's support, appointed a one-man committee chaired by retired judge C.J.R. Paul. The conclusions of the panel were never presented to the Assembly. Karunanidhi was able to obtain a copy of the study and disclosed it to the public in 1982 which revealed the panel's conclusion that Pillai had not committed suicide.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Srikrishna |first1=L. |title=A long march for 'justice' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-long-march-for-justice/article24637350.ece |access-date=30 April 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=8 August 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
== Leader of the DMK (1983–1989) ==
Karunanidhi and DMK general secretary [[K. Anbazhagan]] resigned from the State Assembly soon after the [[Black July|1983 anti-Tamil riots in Sri Lanka]] in protest of the union government and state's failure to defend the [[Eelam tamils]] in Sri Lanka. In May 1986, Karunanidhi established the [[Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization|Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation]] (TESO) and held a major national conclave in Madurai to promote the Tamil aspiration for self-determination in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-a-lifelong-warrior-for-sri-lankan-tamil-cause-but-misunderstood-in-the-end/article24548728.ece |title=M. Karunanidhi: A lifelong warrior for Sri Lankan Tamil cause, but misunderstood in the end |first=K. |last=Venkataramanan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/mar/07/from-tiruvarur-to-marina-the-platinum-jubilee-friendship-of-karunanidhi-and-anbazhagan-2113692.html |title=From Tiruvarur to Marina: The platinum jubilee friendship of Karunanidhi and Anbazhagan |website=The New Indian Express |date=7 March 2020}}</ref>
Soon after AIADMK's election win in 1980, Congress abandoned its ally DMK and allied with AIADMK. The 1984 elections took place against the backdrop of Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi's assassination]]. In December 1984, contested as allies in both Lok Sabha and the State Assembly which conducted together and were carried to victory by the sympathy generated for Indira Gandhi and MGR who was undergoing a Kidney transplant in New york. After being voted to the legislative council in April 1984, Karunanidhi decided to skip the elections.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/apr/28/from-the-archives-when-mgr-sailed-on-sympathy-in1984-polls-2295720.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427232039/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/apr/28/from-the-archives-when-mgr-sailed-on-sympathy-in1984-polls-2295720.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2021 |title=From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dravidian-chronicles-1984-year-karunanidhi-skipped-election-42683 |title=Dravidian Chronicles: 1984- The year Karunanidhi skipped an election |date=4 May 2016 |website=The News Minute}}</ref> In 1986, the MLC was however abolished by the Chief Minister, MG Ramachandran.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/debate-over-reviving-tns-madras-legislative-council-hots-up/ |title=Debate over reviving Tamil Nadu Legislative Council hots up |date=11 April 2021 |website=The Federal}}</ref>
Karunanidhi was instrumental in bringing the seven-party National Front together in Chennai in October 1988. With a plea for social justice, he backed Vishwanath Pratap Singh and his announcement of the Mandal Commission Report.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/karunanidhi-was-the-last-warrior-of-tamil-nadu-s-dravidian-politics/story-NcfkQOBxyngskKwOy3FA2H.html |title=Karunanidhi was the last warrior of Tamil Nadu's Dravidian politics |date=8 August 2018 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Earlier on 17 September 1988, he organised a large rally in Chennai with largely DMK members and a public meeting to commemorate the National Front's formation. It was the largest rally Chennai has ever seen.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> Its inauguration was attended by 20 top national opposition leaders, including three non-Congress(I) chief ministers.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19881015-seven-party-national-front-formally-launched-in-madras-797802-1988-10-15 |title=Seven party National Front formally launched in Madras |author=Prabhu Chawla |date=15 October 1988 |magazine=India Today}}</ref>
== Third term as Chief minister (1989–1991) ==
{{See also|Third Karunanidhi ministry}}
After a 13-year break, the DMK returned to power in 1989. Following MGR's death from a heart attack, the AIADMK split into two. The late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran's wife V N Janaki led one faction, while J Jayalalithaa led another that helped the DMK. With about 33% of the vote, the DMK was able to secure a solid majority of 151 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/apr/29/from-the-archives-when-dmk-stormed-to-power-in-tn-after-13-years-2296195.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428233608/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/apr/29/from-the-archives-when-dmk-stormed-to-power-in-tn-after-13-years-2296195.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 April 2021 |title=From the archives: When DMK stormed to power in TN after 13 years |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Karunandihi was elected Chief Minister for the third time from Chennai's Harbour constituency.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
Karunanidhi allowed the LTTE to use Tamil Nadu as a rear base for its battle for Eelam Between 1989 and 1991, even after Prabhakaran took up arms against the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). Karunanidhi accused the Indian soldiers of rape and massacre of Tamils in Sri Lanka and refused to receive the returning soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/m-karunanidhi-majestic-political-career-dotted-mistakes-86172 |title=M Karunanidhi: A majestic political career dotted by mistakes |date=8 August 2018 |website=The News Minute}}</ref> The Karunanidhi administration was then dismissed and placed under presidents rule by the Chandra Shekhar led union government after only two years of its five-year tenure due to its inability to act against Sri Lankan Tamil militants. Despite Governor S.S. Barnala's unwillingness to report to the Union Cabinet that Tamil Nadu's constitutional apparatus had broken down, the government was dismissed.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
He enacted legislations which provided financial assistance to widows and inter-caste weddings.<ref name="News18 2019" /> In 1989, Karunanidhi passed a law giving equal rights to women in family properties.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thefederal.com/news/tn-did-30-years-ago-what-sc-ordered-on-aug-11-but-has-it-helped/ |title=TN did 30 years ago what SC ordered on Aug 11. But has it helped? |first=Jayaseelan K. |last=S |date=13 August 2020 |website=The Federal}}</ref> In 1989, Tamil Nadu became the first state to reserve 30% of government jobs for women.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/madras-hc-upholds-30-quota-for-women/articleshow/4818348.cms |title=Madras HC upholds 30% quota for women |website=The Times of India |date=25 July 2009}}</ref> After announcing on 17 November 1990, that his government would give free power connection, he followed it up with a Government Order giving power connection to 12.40 lakh farmers.<ref name="The Hindu 2021" /> Women's self-help groups were first established in 1989 in [[Dharmapuri]] to integrate women and increase self-employment opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Veera |date=9 August 2018 |title=கருணாநிதி அப்படி என்ன சாதனைகள் செய்தார் என்று கேட்பவரா நீங்கள்? அப்போ இது உங்களுக்குத்தான் |url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/karunanidhi-top-achievements-327041.html |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=Oneindia |language=ta}}</ref> In 1990, Karunanidhi separated reservation for [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)]] which gave 1% separate quota for STs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-tamil-nadu-s-reservation-stands-69-despite-50-quota-cap-146116 |title=How Tamil Nadu's reservation stands at 69% despite the 50% quota cap |date=29 March 2021 |website=The News Minute}}</ref>
== Leader of the DMK (1991–1996) ==
{{See also|Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi}}
[[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]] by the LTTE took place during the electoral campaign for the [[1991 Indian general election]]s. The DMK was accused in the incident and mobs vandalised the properties of DMK members and functionaries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/mar/08/amid-political-turmoil-jayalalithaa-becomes-tns-1st-woman-cm-in-1991-1948270.html |title=Amid political turmoil, Jayalalithaa becomes TN's first woman CM in 1991 |website=The New Indian Express |date=8 March 2019}}</ref> The allies AIADMK and the Congress campaigned together and spread propaganda claiming that the DMK was to responsible for Rajiv Gandhi's assassination and it worked. The AIADMK-Congress coalition won a decisive win in the Assembly elections on 24 June 1991, and Jayalalithaa is elected Chief Minister for the first time. Except for Karunanidhi, [[Parithi Ilamvazhuthi]] was the only DMK candidate who was elected in the elections, and Karunanidhi resigned from his seat immediately.<ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
Following the [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid]] in 1992, the DMK began holding rallies and public gatherings criticising the inrentions of Kar sevaks. On 5 December 1992, Karunanidhi stated in Murasoli: "What does Kar Seva mean? God's service? Or The service of planting the seeds of unrest?".<ref name="Wire 2018">{{Cite news |last=Wire |first=Sandhya Ravishankar ! The |date=8 August 2018 |title=The one alliance Karunanidhi regretted in six-decade long political career |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/the-one-alliance-karunanidhi-regretted-in-six-decade-long-political-career-118080800490_1.html |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref>
== Fourth term as Chief minister (1996–2001) ==
{{See also|Fourth Karunanidhi ministry}}
In 1996, he formed an alliance with the [[Tamil Maanila Congress]], led by [[G. K. Moopanar|G.K. Moopanar]], and was elected Chief Minister for the fourth time in the state. At the centre, he joined the Deve Gowda-led United Front government.<ref name="The Hindu 2018" /> Karunanidhi's party, which had only two seats in the 1991 elections got 173 MPs, nine more than the AIADMK had the year before.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/article29020825.ece |title=Advantage Jayalalitha? |website=@businessline |date=3 April 2001}}</ref>
In 1999, Karunanidhi made his most significant ideological concession. The DMK joined the [[BJP]]-led [[National Democratic Alliance]] to fight the elections, portraying [[Vajpayee]] as a softer ideological character than [[L. K. Advani|LK Advani]]. The National Democratic Alliance won the elections.<ref name="Yamunan 2018" /> Following the DMK's support of the BJP, the TMC, CPI(M), and CPI withdrew.<ref name="Chennai 2001">{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/article30250676.ece |title=The return of Jayalalitha |first=T. S. SUBRAMANIAN in |last=Chennai |website=Frontline |date=25 May 2001}}</ref> The alliance with the BJP put him under increased pressure from both within and outside of the party. Following the [[2002 Gujarat riots]], Karunanidhi stated that both DMK and BJP were simply partners in the NDA and that the DMK had no intention of forming an alliance with the BJP. "We are not affiliated with the BJP." We are members of the NDA, and so is the BJP. That's it. So, where does the matter of forming an alliance with the BJP stand?".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/one-who-set-the-agenda-for-half-a-century/article24703639.ece |title=One who set the agenda for half a century |first=R. |last=Ramasubramanian |website=Frontline |date=17 August 2018}}</ref> Later, A Raja said that Karunanidhi told him that he regretted the alliance.<ref name="Wire 2018" />
He had to deal with caste animosity in numerous districts of Tamil Nadu throughout his tenure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Venkataramanan |first=K. |date=7 August 2018 |title=Karunanidhi – a champion of social justice, caste amity |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/championing-social-justice-caste-amity/article24548715.ece |access-date=31 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
[[File:Anna Centenary Library Exterior.jpg|thumb|The [[Anna Centenary Library]] built by the implementation of Karunanidhi]]
In 1996–97, Karunanidhi introduced the free bus pass system, which exempted [[State school|government school]] and college students from paying for a ticket while giving private school and college students a 50% discount.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-school-students-can-use-old-bus-passes-till-new-ones-are-distributed/articleshow/69621236.cms |title=Tamil Nadu school students can use old bus passes till new ones are distributed |website=The Times of India |date=2 June 2019}}</ref> Karunanidhi devised the Uzhavar Sandhai plan in 1999, which aims to promote farmer-to-consumer communication and remove the middleman and helped farmers gain more remuneration.<ref name="Jauhri 2018" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/aug/15/10-years-on-new-lease-of-life-for-kalaignars-uzhavar-santhai-2344931.html |title=10 years on, new lease of life for Kalaignar's Uzhavar Santhai |website=The New Indian Express |date=15 August 2021}}</ref> He opened the [[Samathuvapuram]] (Equality Village) schemes in 145 places in Tamil Nadu in 1998 in order to forget and to eliminate caste-based segregation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2019 |title=Are Tamil Nadu's Samathuvapurams losing their sheen? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/are-tamil-nadu-s-samathuvapurams-losing-their-sheen-111421 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/samathuvapuram-an-ideal-thats-far-removed-from-reality/articleshow/87580299.cms |title=Samathuvapuram: An ideal that's far removed from reality |website=The Times of India |date=8 November 2021}}</ref> His administration was credited for accelerating the IT revolution, introducing mini-buses for connectivity. Karunanidhi renamed Madras to Chennai to reflect Tamil identity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/01/from-the-archives-1996-assembly-polls-brought-great-upset-for-aiadmk-2297077.html |title=From the archives: 1996 Assembly polls brought great upset for AIADMK |website=The New Indian Express |date=May 2021}}</ref> He introduced initiative which gives free education for the first graduate in a family up to their graduation. His decision to phase out hand-pulled rickshaws was enthusiastically applauded, and the rickshaw-pullers were given alternative work. He introduced the marriage assistance scheme for impoverished women.<ref name="Radhakrishnan 2018">{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article24702996.ece |title=Deft double role |first=R. K. |last=Radhakrishnan |website=Frontline |date=17 August 2018}}</ref> His government introduced legislation establishing 33% reservation for women in local government.<ref name="News18 2019" />
He was responsible for almost all of the state's major infrastructure projects which were implemented during this tenure including the [[TIDEL Park]], the Coimbatore flyover, [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus|the Koyambedu bus terminal]], [[Gemini flyover]] in Chennai, the rehabilitation of Poompuhar, the [[Anna Centenary Library]], and the grade separators in Chennai and the new Secretariat complex.<ref name="Radhakrishnan 2018" />[[File:Thiruvalluvar Statue (front).jpg|thumb|The 133 ft Thirvalluvar monument built by the implementation of Karunanidhi.]]
=== Thiruvalluvar statue ===
{{Main|Thiruvalluvar Statue}}
On 31 December 1975, during a state cabinet meeting led by Karunanidhi, a plan was authorised to erect a [[Thiruvalluvar Statue|statue for Thiruvalluvar]] at Kanyakumari. The DMK administration was dismissed a month later, and the state was placed under President's Rule. During his next term from 1989 to 1991, he resurrected the project. In March 1990, when presenting the Budget, he stated that a 133-foot-tall monument of Thiruvalluvar will be erected in Kanyakumari. He launched the project six months later. The project was restarted once he reclaimed power in May 1996. He unveiled the monument on New Year's Day, 2000.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Monumental-achievements/article16566833.ece |title=Monumental achievements |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 March 2010}}</ref>
=== 2001 state elections ===
Jayalalithaa, who was aligned with the Tamil Maanila Congress, the Congress, the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]], with both the communist parties, and other parties in [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections]] received 49.89% of the vote, defeating the ruling DMK-led alliance by a large majority. Karunanidhi assumption that the DMK will be re-elected on the grounds of its government's good performance proved incorrect. His government's performance was praised by voters but it was not transferred into votes.<ref name="Chennai 2001" /> Karunanidhi was elected from [[Chepauk (state assembly constituency)|Chepauk constituency]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2021 |title=MK Stalin to contest from Kolathur, his son Udhayanidhi from Chepauk |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/mk-stalin-contest-kolathur-udhayanidhi-chepauk-7209598/}}</ref>
== Leader of the DMK (2001–2006 ) ==
He served as the president of the DMK.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karunanidhi writes to PM over Azhagiri's arrest |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/may/24tn.htm |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> [[K. Anbazhagan]] was made the leader of opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=12th Assembly – Overview |url=https://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/12th_2001/overview.php |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=assembly.tn.gov.in}}</ref>
=== Controversy of arrests in Tamil Nadu about construction of flyovers ===
{{Main|Controversy of arrests in Tamil Nadu about construction of flyovers}}
In the midnight 30 June 2001, he was arrested on the orders of [[J. Jayalalithaa]] as an act of vendetta<ref name="Subramanian 2018" /> based on a First Information report over of alleged losses of ₹12 crore on construction of flyovers filed by Commissioner J. C. T. Acharyalu who Karunanidhi had earlier kept under suspension. He was arrested after a few hours after the complaint with no time for investigation. Sun TV broadcast these images live across the state, the cops stormed in, busted open his bedroom door, and hauled him out. The images of Karunanidhi falling, being dragged, being lifted up and pushed by the police created a sympathy wave for him.<ref name="Ravishankar">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/special/jaya-had-her-revenge-but-karunanidhi-won-the-war/20180808.htm |title=Jaya had her revenge, but Karunanidhi won the war |first=Sandhya |last=Ravishankar |website=Rediff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=D. Suresh |date=8 August 2018 |title=When emotions overwhelmed Karunanidhi |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-emotions-overwhelmed-him/article24627889.ece |access-date=2 June 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Looking Back at a Political Shocker: When Jayalalithaa Ordered The Arrest Of DMK Head M. Karunanidhi |url=https://www.readersdigest.in/culturescape/story-looking-back-at-a-political-shocker-when-jayalalithaa-ordered-the-arrest-of-dmk-head-m.-karunanidhi-125762 |access-date=2 June 2021 |website=readersdigest.in}}</ref> T R Baalu and Murasoli Maran, two Union ministers, were also detained.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 December 2011 |title=Karunanidhi held in pre-dawn swoop – Jailed on corruption charges |url=http://www.blonnet.com/businessline/2001/07/01/stories/14015501.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060601062532/http://www.blonnet.com/businessline/2001/07/01/stories/14015501.htm |archive-date=1 June 2006 |access-date=24 January 2012 |publisher=Blonnet.com}}</ref> Karunanidhi told reporters "They didn't have a summons. They didn't have an arrest warrant. They claimed that these were unnecessary. They dragged me. They pushed me. They ripped my shirt. We treated her with respect when we arrested her."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30251114.ece |title=TAMIL NADU'S SHAME |first=T. S. SUBRAMANIAN in |last=Chennai |website=Frontline |date=6 July 2001}}</ref> [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Union Law Minister]] [[Arun Jaitley]] claimed it was a case of 'personal agenda'.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaitley |first1=Arun |last2=Bhatt |first2=Sheela |title=Personal agenda prevailed over rule of the law |url=http://www.indiaabroad.com/news/2001/jun/30tn10.htm |access-date=26 July 2016 |work=Rediff OnTheNet |date=30 June 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928213513/http://www.indiaabroad.com/news/2001/jun/30tn10.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007 |___location=New Delhi}}</ref> The Union ministers were freed and the allegations against them were dismissed. Karunanidhi was later released on bail on humanitarian grounds.<ref name="Ravishankar" /> The police later dropped the case in 2006 citing it was a "mistake of facts".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Police drop flyover case against Karunanidhi |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/21tn.htm |access-date=2 June 2021 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref>
=== 2004 general elections ===
Karunanidhi, on the other hand, left the BJP coalition in 2004 as the Union government refused to revoke the [[Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002|Prevention of Terrorism Act]]. He stood for the United Progressive Alliance led by the Congress party in the general elections, which won all 39 seats of the Parliament from Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Yamunan 2018" />
== Fifth term as Chief minister (2006–2011) ==
{{See also|Fifth Karunanidhi ministry}}
[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. Karunanidhi meeting the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia to finalize plan for the current financial year, in New Delhi on June 6, 2006.jpg|thumb|Karunanidhi meeting the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission to finalise plan for the financial year, in New Delhi on 6 June 2006|220x220px]]On 8 May 2006, Karunanidhi's administration became the first minority administration in Tamil Nadu's history, and soon after declared a price cut for rice and the waiver of cooperative farmer loans, two of the DMK's main electoral promises.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/karunanidhi-takes-over-as-tn-cm-for-fifth-time/384526 |title=Karunanidhi takes over as TN CM for fifth time |website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref> The DMK won 96 of the 234 seats and emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly with the alliance of CPI-M, Congress and CPI. Karunanidhi won from Chepauk constituency.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/karunanidhi-sworn-in-as-tn-cm/story-ArPgSYj90n1pimshHelKgI.html |title=Karunanidhi sworn in as TN CM |date=13 May 2006 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018" />
[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M Karunanidhi inaugurating the flyover at G N Chetty Road – Thirumalai Road Junction, in Chennai on December 29, 2008.jpg|thumb|Karunanidhi inaugurating the flyover at G N Chetty Road – Thirumalai Road Junction, in Chennai on 29 December 2008]]
Karunanidhi in January 2009 threatened to resign from the ruling alliance if India does not assist in securing a cease-fire in the Sri Lankan civil war.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 January 2009 |title=Karunanidhi renews resignation threat over Sri Lanka |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-37625720090123 |access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref>
In 2006, the DMK administration formed 30 special welfare boards entrusted with lobbying for the rights of disadvantaged and marginalised people ranging from transgenders to construction workers who may not have political influence or form voting groups and endure many forms of oppression.<ref name="The News Minute 2018" /> In 2006, Karunanidhi introduced the 'Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam,' which aimed for the establishment of a library in each village panchayat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/india/changing-face-of-bihars-least-literate-district-now-every-village-has-access-to-a-library/740367/ |title=Changing face of Bihar's 'least literate' district: Now, every village has access to a library |website=[[ThePrint]] |date=26 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Jauhri 2018" /> In September 2006, he implemented the free land distribution scheme for the benefit of the landless poor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free land distribution scheme launched in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/free-land-distribution-scheme-launched-in-tamil-nadu/416357 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=OutlookIndia}}</ref> Karunanidhi saw the value of the ramp as a wheelchair user. He mandated that all new government buildings, as well as existing ones, include a ramp and an elevator. He reserved 3% of government jobs for the physically challenged.<ref name="Ramps 2021">{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/ramps-to-reservations-karunanidhis-political-legacy-includes-infrastructure-for-disabled/626047/ |title=Ramps to reservations – Karunanidhi's political legacy includes infrastructure for disabled |website=[[ThePrint]] |date=22 March 2021}}</ref> He launched the free gas connection distribution scheme in mid-January 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/080818/build-a-free-hospital-on-land-i-own-in-my-native-village-m-karunanidh.html |title=Build a free hospital on land I own in my native village: M Karunanidhi |first=j v siva prasanna |last=kumar |date=8 August 2018 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> In September 2008, he declared that 1 kg of rice will be offered at ₹1 at [[Public distribution system|PDS]] stores, surpassing the campaign promise of ₹2.<ref name="Kannan 2018">{{Cite news |last=Kannan |first=Ramya |date=8 August 2018 |title=M. Karunanidhi: From health care to community living, his schemes were aimed at social equality |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-from-health-care-to-community-living-his-schemes-were-aimed-at-social-equality/article24548812.ece |access-date=12 December 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 2009, he introduced a special quota of 3 per cent reservations for the [[Arunthathiyar]] community. In 2019, the Arunthathiyars started building a temple "as a mark of thanksgiving to Kalaignar".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple to honour DMK leader Karunanidhi to be built in TN |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/08/25/temple-to-honour-dmk-leader-karunanidhi-to-be-built-in-tn.html |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> Karunanidhi launched the "Kalaignar Kapitu Thitam" in 2009 to give people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds receive quality medical treatments without discrimination.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nath |first=Akshaya |date=26 September 2018 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayushman-bharat-chief-minister-health-insurance-scheme-tamil-nadu-modi-1349261-2018-09-26 |title=Ayushman Bharat scheme to be merged with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme |magazine=India Today}}</ref> At least 3 out of 5 people in the state have medical insurance due to this scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/karunanidhi-administrator-par-excellence-61343 |title=Karunanidhi: Administrator par excellence |website=downtoearth.org.in|date=8 August 2018 }}</ref> In 2010, he introduced the "Kalaignar Veetu Vasathi Thittam" to convert thatched huts to concrete houses in the state.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 April 2010 |title=Rural housing to become concrete structures |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Rural-housing-to-become-concrete-structures/article16373470.ece |access-date=12 December 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> During this tenure he implemented the construction of new Collectorates in nine districts, many universities were established, and highways and flyovers were built. The bus terminal in Koyambedu in Chennai, which is the largest in Asia, was built.<ref name="Jauhri 2018" /> His health-care initiatives in the tenure, which included financial help for pregnant mothers, were well received by Jayalalithaa. Multiple medical camps were held around the state as part of the Varumun Kappom Thittam initiative, benefiting a huge portion of Tamil Nadu's population.<ref name="Jauhri 2018" /> Schemes were implemented to provide free color TVs to every family with ration cards and to provide gas stoves with free gas connection to the poor women who use wood stove-kerosene stove.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2008 |title=Karunanidhi launches Phase 3 of free CTV, gas stove scheme |url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/02/16/karunanidhi-launches-phase-3-of-free-ctv-gas-stove-scheme-1203218398.html |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=OnIndia |language=en}}</ref>
== Leader of the DMK (2011–2016) ==
[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi meeting the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in Chennai on January 03, 2011.jpg|thumb|Karunanidhi meeting the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in Chennai, 2011|250x250px]]
During the [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], the AIADMK alliance won 203 seats and the DMK alliance won 31.<ref>{{Cite journal |year=2011 |title=Fourteenth Assembly Election Results in Tamil Nadu |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=46 |issue=25 |pages=138–142 |jstor=23018681 |issn=0012-9976}}</ref> Karunanidi won by a huge margin of 50,249 votes Tiruvarur Assembly constituency.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=G. |date=13 May 2011 |title=Karunanidhi wins by a huge margin in Tiruvarur |language=en-IN |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karunanidhi-wins-by-a-huge-margin-in-tiruvarur/article2016094.ece |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following the defeat, M. Karunanidhi said, "People have given me proper rest," before congratulating the people of the state.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/people-have-given-me-proper-rest-says-karunanidhi/ |title=People have given me proper rest, says Karunanidhi |date=13 May 2011}}</ref>
On his 86th birthday, Karunanidhi donated his Gopalapuram home to the Annai Anjugam Trust, which would manage a free hospital for the underprivileged after his and his wife's demise.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 June 2010 |title=Karunanidhi donates Gopalapuram residence |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Karunanidhi-donates-Gopalapuram-residence/article16240543.ece |access-date=31 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
During the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections]], which the DMK lost only by 1.5 per cent votes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/03/25/data-story-how-dmk-ended-up-losing-20-16-election.html |title=Data story: How DMK ended up losing 2016 election |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref> Karunanidhi won from Tiruvarur constituency with margin of 68,366 votes thereby recording his 13th straight victory since 1957.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 May 2016 |title=Karunanidhi breaks his own record of victory margin |language=en-IN |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamilnadu2016/karunanidhi-breaks-his-own-record-of-victory-margin/article8623159.ece |access-date=29 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In 2013, Karunanidhi announced his younger son M. K. Stalin was his successor, confirmed in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stalin is my successor, announces Karunanidhi |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/stalin-is-my-successor-announces-karunanidhi-7513.html |work=India TV News |agency=PTI |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=28 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lakshmana |first1=KV |date=20 October 2016 |title=DMK chief Karunanidhi names younger son Stalin as his political heir |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dmk-chief-karunanidhi-names-younger-son-stalin-as-his-political-heir/story-jcIM6BWJ5rMIPwCFhUpdvO.html |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=28 August 2025}}</ref>
== Political positions ==
=== Sri Lankan Tamil issue ===
{{See also|Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War|Indian Peace Keeping Force|Protests against the Sri Lankan Civil War|K. Muthukumar|2013 Anti-Sri Lanka protests|Attacks on Sri Lankans in Tamil Nadu}}
Karunanidhi was known among his supporters as the "Tamil Inaththalaivar" ({{Translation}} leader of the Tamil race) He was close to numerous Sri Lankan Tamil politicians. In 1956, Karunanidhi issued a resolution at the DMK council in Chidambaram denouncing Sri Lanka's 'Sinhala Only policy'. He was acquainted with [[S.J.V. Chelvanayakam]] and was close with [[A. Amirthalingam]], the head of the Tamil United Liberation Front. After [[1977 anti-Tamil pogrom]] and [[Black July|1983 anti-Tamil pogrom]], his administration was at the forefront of organising protest demonstrations in Tamil Nadu. In protest at the 1983 riots, Karunanidhi and DMK general secretary K. Anbazhagan resigned from the State Assembly.<ref name="Venkataramanan 2018">{{Cite news |last=Venkataramanan |first=K. |date=7 August 2018 |title=M. Karunanidhi: A lifelong warrior for Sri Lankan Tamil cause, but misunderstood in the end |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-a-lifelong-warrior-for-sri-lankan-tamil-cause-but-misunderstood-in-the-end/article24548728.ece |access-date=30 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The DMK was thought to support the [[Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization]] (TELO). After the LTTE started a war against its fellow Tamil militant group TELO in May 1986, Karunanidhi was sceptical of the LTTE's strategy.<ref name="Panneerselvan 2021">{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/books/karunanidhi-and-the-sri-lankan-tamil-issue-book-excerpt-karunanidhi-a-life-by-a-s-panneerselvan/article34117100.ece |title=Karunanidhi and the Sri Lankan Tamil Issue |first=A. S. |last=Panneerselvan |website=Frontline |date=21 March 2021 |ref=none}}</ref> Karunanidhi founded the [[Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization|Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation]] (TESO) and held a large national conference in Madurai in May 1986 to emphasise the Tamil aspiration for sovereignty in Sri Lanka, during which he urged the LTTE to cease murdering TELO cadre. The LTTE then proceeded to kill the majority of the TELO cadres. The infighting was criticised by Karunanidhi as Sagodhara Yudham' (A Battle Between Brothers). Since the AIADMK and MGR were prepared to support the LTTE as the only representation of Sri Lankan Tamils, his constant attempts to convey the necessity for an unified front to the LTTE were ignored.<ref name="Panneerselvan 2021" /> Karunanidhi was a vocal opponent of the decision to send [[Indian Peace Keeping Force|Indian peace keeping forces]] (IPKF) to Sri Lanka as part of the [[Indo-Sri Lanka Accord|Indo-Sri Lankan Accord]], and he was accused of being anti-national for his outspoken criticism of the atrocities perpetrated by the IPKF.<ref name="Venkataramanan 2018" /> He viewed the [[Expulsion of Muslims from the Northern province by LTTE|expulsion of Muslims from the North by the LTTE]] in 1990 as "ethnic cleansing."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/14/20392/a-fresh-assessment-of-karunanidhi-sri-lanka-ltte-policy |title=A Fresh Assessment of Karunanidhi' Sri Lanka (LTTE) Policy |website=thecitizen.in |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524063546/https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/14/20392/A-Fresh-Assessment-of-Karunanidhi-Sri-Lanka-LTTE-Policy |url-status=dead}}</ref> His inaction against the LTTE in the state finally led to the Chandrasekhar government dismissing his cabinet in January 1991.<ref name="The Week">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/07/28/Karunanidhi-A-blind-champion-of-Tamil-cause.html |title=Karunanidhi: A blind champion of the Lankan Tamil cause |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref> After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by LTTE he was not friendly with the overt LTTE sympathizers in the state.<ref name="Venkataramanan 2018" />
He ordered a special investigation of the conditions in the Tamil refugee camps in 2006, and subsequently provided funds to repair deteriorating dwellings.<ref name="Venkataramanan 2018" /> In 2009, during the final stages of the war, Karunanidhi was unable to convince the UPA alliance to intervene.<ref name="The Week" />
=== Tamil language ===
Karunanidhi on multiple occasions, expressed his admiration for [[Thiruvalluvar]]. The DMK administration built [[Valluvar Kottam]], a memorial in Chennai dedicated to Valluvar in the mid-1970s. However, the government was removed from power in 1976, just weeks before the memorial was to be opened. Karunanidhi awaited 13 years to visit the memorial, and when the DMK regained power in January 1989, he held the swearing-in ceremony there. Karunanidhi built the Silappadikaram Art Gallery in Poompuhar and a special department for Tamil development as Chief Minister. His administration passed an order making Tamil obligatory in all schools until Class X a few weeks after he became Chief Minister in May 2006. Karunanidhi, a supporter of the two-language formula, had stressed the need of retaining English as the sole additional language in educational institutions.<ref name="Ramakrishnan 2018">{{Cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=T. |date=7 August 2018 |title=Karunanidhi: A die-hard proponent of Tamil language |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/karunanidhi-a-die-hard-proponent-of-tamil-language/article24548741.ece |access-date=30 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> After consulting with scholars, his government determined in 1972 that Thiruvalluvar was born in 31 BCE.<ref name="Kannan 2018" /> Karunanidhi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi were vital in ensuring classical language status to Tamil in 2004.<ref name="Deccan Chronicle 2018">{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/140618/lively-debate-on-who-nurtured-tamil-language-contributed-to-tamil-pri.html |title=Lively debate on who nurtured Tamil language, contributed to Tamil pride |date=14 June 2018 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
==== World Tamil Conference ====
[[File:RRK 9493 copy.jpg|thumb|Karunanidhi in Paavendhar Tamil Literature & Research library]]
He delivered the special address on the inaugural day of 3rd World Tamil Conference held in Paris in 1970, and also on the inaugural day of 6th World Tamil Conference held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) in 1987. He penned the song "[[Semmozhiyaana Tamizh Mozhiyaam]]", the official theme song for the [[World Classical Tamil Conference 2010]], that was set to tune by [[A. R. Rahman]].<ref>{{cite news |last=T. |first=Ramakrishnan |date=16 May 2010 |title=Front Page: Theme song launched for world classical Tamil meet |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/16/stories/2010051660120100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519120624/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/16/stories/2010051660120100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2010 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref>
In June 2010, his administration organised the World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore.<ref name="Ramakrishnan 2018" /> 'Ulaga Tamizh Manadu' (World Tamil Conference), was the first coined word for the conference in 2010, however the IATR organisation that had right to conduct the conference was not happy hence change in name.<ref>{{cite news |last=Karashima |first=Noboru |date=23 July 2010 |title=IATR and the World Classical Tamil Conference |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/IATR-and-the-World-Classical-Tamil-Conference/article16206321.ece}}</ref> In the conference, Karunanidhi described Tamil as supreme among all classical languages. He reinforced the demand for Tamil to be recognised as a language of the Madras High Court.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2010/jun/23/making-a-case-for-classical-tamil-125925.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101165038/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2010/jun/23/making-a-case-for-classical-tamil-125925.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 January 2022 |title=Making a case for classical Tamil |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Karunanidhi announced the foundation of the World Tholkappiyar Classical Tamil Sangam, that would include worldwide academics and will be based in Madurai, to hold World Classical Tamil Conferences at periodic intervals in the future. and to bring dispersed Tamil research centres and develop connections with Tamil organisations throughout the world.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/how-karunanidhi-hijacked-tamil-meet/639269/1 |title=How Karunanidhi hijacked Tamil meet – Indian Express |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
== Screenwriting ==
[[File:Kalaimamani Award.jpg|left|thumb|Karunanidhi awarding Kalaimamani]]
{{See also|Parasakthi (1952 film)|Tamil cinema and Dravidian politics}}
Karunanidhi began his career as a screenwriter in the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://caravanmagazine.in/Story.aspx?Storyid=817&StoryStyle=FullStory |title=The Last Lear – The Long Profile of Karunanidhi in The Caravan |work=[[The Caravan (magazine)|The Caravan India]] |access-date=22 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326130359/http://caravanmagazine.in/Story.aspx?Storyid=817&StoryStyle=FullStory |archive-date=26 March 2012}}</ref> His first movie as screenwriter was [[Rajakumari (1947 film)|Rajakumari]] produced by Coimbatore-based [[Jupiter Pictures]] directed by [[A. S. A. Sami]] starring [[M. G. Ramachandran]]. During this period he and [[M. G. Ramachandran]], then an upcoming actor and later day founder of [[AIADMK]] party started a long friendship eventually turning into rivals in later years politics. His stint with Jupiters Pictures then housed at [[Central Studios]] continued for another MGR starrer [[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abhimanyu]], [[Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi]] (1950) starring [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and [[V. N. Janaki]].
Around late 1949, [[T. R. Sundaram]] of [[Modern Theatres]] Studio in Salem engaged Karunanidhi as scriptwriter for the film [[Manthiri Kumari]] starring [[M. G. Ramachandran]] which would become be a blockbuster hit. Later [[T. R. Sundaram]] had Karunanidhi on permanent rolls at Modern Studio.
Karunanidhi chose to pen a script for a TV series based on the Vaishnavite philosopher-sage Ramanuja. He claimed that his party opposed Hindu fundamentalism, not Hindus.<ref name="Yamunan 2018" />
=== ''Parasakthi'' ===
His most notable movie was ''[[Parasakthi (1952 film)|Parasakthi]]'',<ref name="Guneratne 2003">[[#Guneratne|Guneratne 2003]], p. 216</ref> a turning point in Tamil cinema, as it espoused the ideologies of the Dravidian movement and also introduced two prominent actors of Tamil filmdom, [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[S. S. Rajendran]].<ref name="Hardgrave 1973">{{cite journal |last=Hardgrave |first=Robert L Jr. |title=Politics and the Film in Tamil Nadu: The Stars and the DMK |doi=10.2307/2643038 |journal=Asian Survey |year=1973 |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=288–305 |jstor=2643038 |hdl=2152/34387 |url=https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/bitstream/2152/34387/1/politicsandthefilm.pdf}}</ref> The movie was initially marred with controversies and faced censorship troubles, but was eventually released in 1952.<ref name="Hardgrave 1973" /> becoming a huge box office hit. The movie was opposed by orthodox Hindus since it contained elements that criticised Hinduism.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/12/stories/2006061206151100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613192240/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/12/stories/2006061206151100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 June 2006 |title=Films and the politics of convenience |last=A. |first=Srivathsan |___location=Chennai, India |date=12 June 2006 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> The story contained condemnation of Tamil Nadu's severe social disparities, India's power difference between South and the North, and the moral corruption of the Hindu priestly caste. Upper caste Hindus sought to ban the movie.<ref name="Kazmin 2018" />
Two other movies that contained such messages were ''[[Panam (film)|Panam]]'' (1952) directed by famous comedian and political activist [[N. S. Krishnan]] and ''[[Thangarathinam]]'' (1960) produced and acted by [[S. S. Rajendran]] another popular actor and DMK activist.<ref name="Guneratne 2003" /> These movies contained themes such as widow remarriage, abolition of [[untouchability]], [[self-respect marriages]], abolition of [[zamindari]] and abolition of religious hypocrisy.<ref name="Hardgrave 1973" /> Another memorable hit movie was ''[[Manohara (film)|Manohara]]'' (1954) starring Sivaji Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran and P. Kannamba known for its crisp dialogues.
=== Writing and narration style ===
Through his wit and oratorical skills he rapidly rose as a popular politician. As his movies and plays with strong social messages became popular, they suffered from increased censorship; two of his plays in the 1950s were banned.<ref name="Hardgrave 1973" /> He was famous for writing historical and social (reformist) stories which propagated the socialist and [[rationalism|rationalist]] ideals of the [[Dravidian movement]] to which he belonged. Alongside [[C. N. Annadurai]] he began using [[Tamil cinema]] to propagate his political ideals through his movies.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} His compositions, which often chastised upper castes while it making heroes out of the poor and advocating secularism, were seen as revolutionary.<ref name="Abi-Habib 2018" />
=== Filmography ===
At the age of 20, Karunanidhi went to work for Jupiter Pictures as a scriptwriter. His first film, ''[[Rajakumaari]]'', gained him much popularity. It was here that his skills as a scriptwriter were honed, which extended to several films. He was active in screenwriting even during his later political career until 2011 when he last wrote for historic movie [[Ponnar Shankar (film)|Ponnar Shankar]].
==== As a scriptwriter ====
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* ''[[Ponnar Shankar (film)|Ponnar Shankar]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Ilaignan]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Pen Singam]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Uliyin Osai]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Pasa Kiligal]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Kannamma (film)|Kannamma]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Mannin Maindhan]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Puthiya Parasakthi]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Madurai Meenakshi (film)|Madurai Meenakshi]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Kavalukku Kettikaran]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Paasa Mazhai]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Nyaya Tharasu]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Thendral Sudum]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Poruthadhu Pothum]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Ithu Engal Neethi]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Paasa Paravaigal (1988 film)|Paasa Paravaigal]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Paadatha Thenikkal]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Makkal Aanaiyittal]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Ore Raththam]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Veeran Veluthambi]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Sattam Oru Vilayaattu]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Puyal Paadum Paattu]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Palaivana Rojakkal]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Kaaval Kaithigal]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Thooku Medai]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Maadi Veettu Ezhai]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Kaalam Pathil Sollum]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Aadu Paambe]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Nenjukku Needhi]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Vandikaran Magan]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Pillaiyo Pillai (film)|Pillaiyo Pillai]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Thanga Thambi]]'' (1967)
* ''[[Valiba Virundhu]]'' (1967)
* ''[[Avan Pithana?]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Marakka Mudiyumaa]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Mani Magudam]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Poomalai]]'' (1965)
* ''[[Poompuhar (film)|Poompuhar]]'' (1964)
* ''[[Kaanchi Thalaivan]]'' (1963)
* ''[[Iruvar Ullam (1963 film)|Iruvar Ullam]]'' (1963)
* ''[[Thayilla Pillai (1961 film)|Thayilla Pillai]]'' (1961)
* ''[[Arasilangkumari]]'' (1961)
* ''[[Kuravanji]]'' (1960)
* ''[[Ellorum Innaattu Mannar]]'' (1960)
* ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1957 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' (1957)
* ''[[Pudhaiyal]]'' (1957)
* ''[[Raja Rani (1956 film)|Raja Rani]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Rangoon Radha]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Malaikkallan]]'' (1954)
* ''[[Manohara (film)|Manohara]]'' (1954)
* ''[[Ammaiyappan (film)|Ammaiyappan]]'' (1954)
* ''[[Thirumbi Paar (1953 film)|Thirumbi Paar]]'' (1953)
* ''[[Naam (1953 film)|Naam]]'' (1953)
* ''[[Panam (1952 film)|Panam]]'' (1952)
* ''[[Parasakthi (1952 film)|Parasakthi]]'' (1952)
* ''[[Manamagal]]'' (1951)
* ''[[Devaki (1951 film)|Devaki]]'' (1951)
* ''[[Manthiri Kumari]]'' (1950)
* ''[[Marudhanaattu Ilavarasi]]'' (1950)
* ''[[Abhimanyu (1948 film)|Abimanyu]]'' (1948)
* ''[[Rajakumaari]]'' (1947)
{{div col end|4}}
==== Television ====
* ''Romapuri Pandian'' (Kalaignar TV)
* ''Ramanujar'' (Kalaignar TV)
==== Lyrics ====
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
! Year !! Film !! Song !! Composer
|-
| 1980||''[[Thooku Medai]]'' ||"Kodi Uyara", "Aayiram Piraigal", "Kurinji malar"||Shankar Ganesh
|-
| 1987||''[[Ore Raththam]]'' ||"Ore Ratham", "Oru Poraliyin" ||Devendran
|-
| 1987||''[[Veeran Veluthambi]]'' ||"Surulu Meesai" ||S. A. Rajkumar
|-
| 1988 ||''[[Makkal Aanaiyittal]]'' ||"Aara Amara Konjam" ||S. A. Rajkumar
|-
| 1993||''[[Madurai Meenakshi (film)|Madurai Meenakshi]]'' || "Neethi mandram" ||Deva
|-
| 2005 ||''[[Kannamma (film)|Kannamma]]'' || "Ilaignane", "Iru Vizhi" ||S. A. Rajkumar
|-
| 2005 ||''[[Mannin Maindhan]]'' || "Kannin Manipola" ||Bharathwaj
|-
| 2006 ||''[[Pasa Kiligal]]'' || "Thendral ennum" ||Vidyasagar
|-
| 2010||''[[Pen Singam]]'' || "Aaha Veenaiyil" ||Deva
|}
== Literature ==
[[File:Sivaji Kalingar Sakthi .jpg|thumb|right|Karunanidhi (middle) with actor Sivaji Ganesan (left)]]Karunanidhi is known for his contributions to [[Tamil literature]]. His contributions cover a wide range: poems, letters, screenplays, novels, biographies, historical novels, stage-plays, dialogues and movie songs. He has written ''Kuraloviam'' for [[Thirukural]], Tholkaappiya Poonga, Poombukar, as well as many poems, essays and books. Apart from literature, Karunanidhi has also contributed to the [[Tamil language]] through art and architecture. Like the Kuraloviyam, in which Kalaignar wrote about Thirukkural, through the construction of [[Valluvar Kottam]] he gave an architectural presence to [[Thiruvalluvar]], in Chennai. At [[Kanyakumari]], Karunanidhi constructed a 133-foot-high statue of Thiruvalluvar in honour of the scholar.
=== Books ===
The books written by Karunanidhi include ''Sanga Thamizh'', ''Thirukkural Urai'', ''Ponnar Sankar'', ''Romapuri Pandian'', ''[[Thenpandi Singam]]'', ''Vellikizhamai'', ''Nenjukku Needhi'', ''Iniyavai Irubathu'' and ''Kuraloviam''.<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" /> His books of prose and poetry number more than 100.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/a-man-of-letters-who-straddled-the-stage-and-the-celluloid-world/article24624754.ece |title=A man of letters, who straddled the stage and the celluloid world |date=7 August 2018}}</ref>
=== Stage plays ===
Karunanidhi's stage plays<ref>{{cite web |title=Self respect movement (Dravida Iyakkam) plays by Bharathidasan, C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi and others. |url=https://www.tamilvu.org/courses/degree/p102/p1024/html/p1024334.htm |website=Tamil Virtual University |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> include: ''Manimagudam'', ''Ore Ratham'', ''Palaniappan'', ''Thooku Medai'', ''Kagithapoo'', ''Naane Arivali'', ''Vellikizhamai'', ''Udhayasooriyan'' and ''[[Silappathikaram]]''.
== Personal life ==
Karunanidhi married three times. Karunanidhi's parents were eager to marry him off to Padma, the sister of [[C. S. Jayaraman]]. He made one condition that the bride side must accept a reformist wedding. He hoped they would call off the marriage as he was not earning and the bride's father was religious but their family agreed to their marriage also held the marriage of their son C.S Jayaraman the same day. He married Padmavathi Ammal on 13 September 1944, under the Dravidian movement's Self-Respect form of marriage where the bride and groom exchanged garlands, without a thaali (mangalsutra), and specifically without Brahmin priests presiding.<ref name="Ravishankar 2018b" />{{sfn|Panneerselvan|2021|p=38}} They had a son [[M. K. Muthu]], who was briefly active in Tamil films and politics. Padmavathi died in 1948 soon after childbirth. In September of that year, Karunanidhi's marriage was [[arranged marriage|arranged]] with Dayalu Ammal, with whom he had three sons, [[M. K. Alagiri]], [[M. K. Stalin]] and M. K. Tamilarasu, and a daughter, M. K. Selvi. Alagiri and Stalin are active in state politics and competed to be their father's political successors, before Stalin prevailed. Tamilarasu is a businessman and film-producer and campaigner for his father and his party; Selvi campaigned for Karunanidhi elections too. With his third marriage with Rajathi Ammal, Karunanidhi had a daughter, [[Kanimozhi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/07/life-and-family-of-dmk-supremo-kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-1854601.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807180528/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/07/life-and-family-of-dmk-supremo-kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-1854601.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 August 2018 |title=Life and family of DMK supremo 'Kalaignar' M Karunanidhi |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=7 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="Ravishankar 2018a" />
Karunanidhi's left eye got critically injured in 1953 when the vehicle in which he was travelling got involved in an accident near Tirupattur. An eye surgery was performed and doctors recommended him to wear sunglasses to protect his eyes from the sun. Karunanidhi used regular spectacles. However, after following American ophthalmologists recommendation for his ongoing discomfort in his left eye, which he had been suffering from since the mid-1950s, he switched to his trade-mark dark glasses in 1971. Doctors determined that the dark glass frames were too hefty for him in November 2017 and advised a lighter frame.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/this-is-the-real-reason-behind-late-m-karunanidhis-style-statement-of-wearing-black-glasses |title=This is the real reason behind late M Karunanidhi's 'style statement' of wearing black glasses |website=Free Press Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/07/when-kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-bid-adieu-to-his-black-glasses-after-46-years-1854609.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807215150/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/aug/07/when-kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-bid-adieu-to-his-black-glasses-after-46-years-1854609.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 August 2018 |title=When Kalaignar M Karunanidhi bid adieu to his black glasses after 46 years}}</ref><ref name="Subramanian 2018">{{cite magazine |last1=Subramanian |first1=T. S. |title=Milestones in a long journey |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article24705340.ece |access-date=30 April 2022 |magazine=Frontline |date=31 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
Since 2004, he has had to deal with his deteriorating health and struggled to stand when a spinal operation went wrong and became wheelchair-dependent. After a few years, he upgraded to a [[Motorized wheelchair|motorised wheelchair]] and a customised van with a hydraulic system to raise the chair into or out of the vehicle easily.<ref name="Ramps 2021" />
== Illness, death and reactions ==
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi pays tributes at the mortal remains of Kalaignar Karunanidhi, in Chennai on August 08, 2018.JPG|thumb|right| Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] paying tribute to Karunanidhi in [[Rajaji Hall]]]]
Due to a drug-induced allergy, Karunanidhi became unwell in October 2016. He was hospitalised in the first week of December 2016 for "optimization of nutrition and hydration" and subsequently for a throat and lung infections. He went through a [[Tracheotomy|tracheostomy]] surgery to improve his breathing. He has stayed out of politics since then, making just a few public appearances. His last public appearance was on 3 June 2018, when he turned 94.<ref>{{Cite news |author=The Hindu Net Desk |date=29 July 2018 |title=Karunanidhi's vital signs normalising after transient setback, says hospital |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/karunanidhis-vital-signs-normalising-says-hospital/article24547486.ece |access-date=31 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
On 28 July 2018, Karunanidhi's health deteriorated and became "extremely critical and unstable", and he was admitted at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai for treatment.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45002229 |title=Crowds amass for ailing Indian politician |date=30 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 August 2018}}</ref> He died there at 18:10 on 7 August 2018 due to age-related illness, which led to multiple organ failure.<ref name="Narayan 2018" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-former-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-passes-away/article24624413.ece |title='Kalaignar' M. Karunanidhi, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief, passes away aged 94 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 August 2018}}</ref>
The government of Tamil Nadu declared a public holiday on 8 August 2018 and a seven-day mourning after Karunanidhi's death.<ref>{{cite news |title=TN govt announces 7-day mourning over Karunanidhi's death |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/tn-govt-announces-7-day-mourning-over-karunanidhis-death/article24625906.ece/#stateGovt |access-date=8 August 2018 |work=Business Line |date=7 August 2018}}</ref> He was accorded a [[state funeral]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stalin |first1=J Sam Daniel |last2=Majumder |first2=Soumyajit |date=22 February 2019 |title=Karunanidhi Buried at Chennai's Marina Beach, Next To Mentor Annadurai |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karunanidhi-funeral-thousands-pay-homage-to-karunanidhi-madras-high-court-hearing-on-burial-site-10-1896941 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref> A national mourning on 8 August 2018 was announced by the [[government of India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=DMK chief M Karunanidhi death: One day national mourning declared by Centre |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/karunanidhi-death-died-government-of-india-declares-one-day-state-mourning-across-india/266056 |access-date=9 August 2018 |agency=Times now news |date=8 August 2018}}</ref> The national flag flew half-mast in Delhi, all state capitals and across Tamil Nadu on 8 August 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=National Flag Flew Half Mast Marking Death Of Karunanidhi |url=https://headlinestoday.org/national/1352/national-flag-flew-half-mast-marking-death-of-karunanidhi/ |access-date=8 August 2018 |agency=Headlines Today |date=8 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808233758/https://headlinestoday.org/national/1352/national-flag-flew-half-mast-marking-death-of-karunanidhi/ |archive-date=8 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The governments of [[Government of Karnataka|Karnataka]] and [[Government of Bihar|Bihar]] announced one-day and two-days state mourning respectively.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Chief Minister Of Tamil Nadu And DMK Chief M Karunanidhi Passed Away |url=https://headlinestoday.org/national/1328/former-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu-and-dmk-chief-m-karunanidhi-passed-away/#stateGovt |access-date=8 August 2018 |agency=Headlines Today |date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807220456/https://headlinestoday.org/national/1328/former-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu-and-dmk-chief-m-karunanidhi-passed-away/#stateGovt |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 18 August 2018, the DMK said that as many as 248 party workers died, 'shocked' by Karunanidhi's demise, and announced a solatium of ₹2 lakh to their families.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=28 August 2018 |title=Shocked by the death of M Karunanidhi, 248 party workers died: DMK |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/shocked-by-the-death-of-m-karunanidhi-248-party-workers-died-dmk-118082800599_1.html |access-date=31 December 2021}}</ref>
== Awards and titles ==
* [[Annamalai University]] awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1971.<ref name="Drkalaignar.org 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.drkalaignar.org/about-kalaignar/awards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107084951/http://www.drkalaignar.org/about-kalaignar/awards/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 January 2009 |title=Awards |publisher=Drkalaignar.org |access-date=19 December 2011}}</ref>
* He was awarded "Raja Rajan Award" by Tamil University, [[Thanjavur]] for his book ''Thenpandi Singam''.<ref name="Drkalaignar.org 2009" />
* On 15 December 2006, the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University, Surjit Singh Barnala conferred an honorary doctorate on the Chief Minister on the occasion of the 40th annual convocation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Honorary Dr: More the Merrier |website=The Economic Times |date=13 December 2008 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-editorial/honorary-dr-more-the-merrier/articleshow/3830806.cms}}</ref>
* In June 2007, the Tamil Nadu Muslim Makkal Katchi announced that it would confer the title "Friend of the Muslim Community" (''Yaaran-E-Millath'') upon M. Karunanidhi.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/06/03/tmmk-to-confer-karunanidhi-with-friend-of-the-community-title-1180859680.html |title=MK awarded 'Friend of the Community' title |access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
== Elections contested and positions held ==
Karunanidhi contested and won in all Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections (then Madras) since 1957 except 1984 when he didn't contest the election. He resigned immediately after being elected in 1991, due to the routing of his party (only 2 seats out of 234).
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Constituency
! colspan="2" | Party
! Votes
! %
! colspan="3" | Opponent
! Votes
! %
! Result
! Margin
|-
! [[1957 Madras legislative assembly election|1957]]
|[[Kulithalai (State Assembly Constituency)|Kulithalai]]
|{{Party name with color|Independent|shortname=IND}}
| 22,785
| 47.32
|{{Party name with color|Indian National Congress|shortname=INC|rowspan=3}}
|K.A. Dharmalingam
| 14,489
| 30.09
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|8,296}}
|-
! [[1962 Madras legislative assembly election|1962]]
|[[Thanjavur]]
|{{Party name with color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|shortname=DMK|rowspan=5}}
| 32,145
| 50.89
|[[A.Y.S. Parisutha Nadar]]
| 30,217
| 47.84
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|1,928}}
|-
! [[1967 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1967]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Saidapet (State Assembly Constituency)|Saidapet]]
| 53,401
| 60.96
|S.G. Vinayagamurthy
| 32,919
| 37.58
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|20,482}}
|-
! [[1971 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1971]]
| 63,334
| 54.46
|{{Party name with color|Indian National Congress (Organisation)|shortname=INC(O)}}
|Kudanthai Ramalingam
| 50,823
| 43.70
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|12,511}}
|-
! [[1977 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1977]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Anna Nagar (State Assembly Constituency)|Anna Nagar]]
|43,076
|50.10
|{{Party name with color|AIADMK|shortname=AIADMK|rowspan=2}}
|G. Krishnamurthy
|26,638
|30.98
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|16,438}}
|-
! [[1980 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1980]]
|51,290
|48.97
|[[H. V. Hande]]
|50,591
|48.31
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|699}}
|-
! [[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1984]]
| colspan="12" | {{Center|Not Contested}}
|-
! [[1989 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1989]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Harbour (State Assembly Constituency)|Harbour]]
|{{Party name with color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|shortname=DMK|rowspan=7}}
|41,632
|59.76
|{{Party name with color|Indian Union Muslim League|shortname=IUML}}
|K.A. Wahab
|9,641
|13.84
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|3,236}}
|-
! [[1991 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1991]]
|30,932
|48.66
|{{Party name with color|AIADMK|shortname=AIADMK}}
|K. Suppu
|30,042
|47.26
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|890}}
|-
! [[1996 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|1996]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Chepauk (State Assembly Constituency)|Chepauk]]
|46,097
|77.05
|{{Party name with color|Indian National Congress|rowspan=2}}
|N.S. Nellai Kannan
|10,313
|17.24
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|35,784}}
|-
! [[2001 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|2001]]
|29,836
|51.91
|R. Damodharan
|25,002
|43.50
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|4,834}}
|-
! [[2006 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|2006]]
|34,188
|50.96
|{{Party name with color|Independent|shortname=IND}}
|Dawood Miah Khan
|25,662
|38.25
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|8,526}}
|-
! [[2011 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|2011]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Thiruvarur (State Assembly Constituency)|Thiruvarur]]
|109,014
|62.96
|{{Party name with color|AIADMK|rowspan=2}}
|M. Rajendran
|58,765
|33.94
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|50,249}}
|-
! [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
|121,473
|61.73
|R. Pannerselvam
|53,107
|26.99
|{{yes2|Won}}
|{{yes2|68,366}}
|}
== Controversies ==
=== Ram Setu remarks ===
In September 2007, the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) opposed [[Sethusamudram Canal]] project stating that it will demolish [[limestone]] shoals the party claimed to be remains of a bridge built by [[Rama]] to get to Lanka to save his wife [[Sita]]. He replied, "It is said that there was a God thousands of years ago called Ram. Do not touch the bridge built by him. I ask who is this Ram? Which engineering college did he graduate from?"<ref name="Sannith 2021" /> [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] leader [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] accused Karunanidhi of religious discrimination when noting "We would like to know from Karunanidhi if he would make a similar statement against the head of any other religion."<ref name="Outlook-Eng">{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/will-karunanidhi-dare-to-ask-for-engineering-certificates-from-other-religions/505081 |title=Will Karunanidhi dare to ask for engineering certificates from other religions? |website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref> CPM general secretary [[Prakash Karat]] came to his support and said "in this country, there are individuals with religious views and people like us. It is not wrong to voice an opinion".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cpm-backs-karunanidhi-on-ram-setu/articleshow/2390065.cms |title=CPM backs Karunanidhi on Ram Setu |website=The Times of India |date=21 September 2007}}</ref> Later, Karunanidhi clarified his remarks by saying that "I'm not against Ram, my conscience is my God".<ref name="Sannith 2021">{{cite web |last=Sannith |first=Jude |title=Not in the name of God: Why MK Stalin's atheism is par for the course |website=cnbctv18.com |date=7 May 2021 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/views/not-in-the-name-of-god-why-mk-stalins-atheism-is-par-for-the-course-9230411.htm}}</ref>
Suspected [[Sangh Parivar]] activists attacked the house of Karunanidhi's daughter Selvi in Bangalore with [[petrol bombs]] and stones over his comments.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/18ram1.htm |title=Bomb hurled at TN CM's daughter's house |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> A bus bound to Chennai was set on fire in Bangalore by a mob which [[Burn alive|burnt alive]] two people. The police blamed the attack on [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu activists]] who were enraged over his comments.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/chennai-bound-bus-set-on-fire-2-burnt-to-death/story-4TnHXPtYTMHR6mO00KjAmL.html |title=Chennai-bound bus set on fire, 2 burnt to death |date=19 September 2007 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Karunanidhi said the attacks showed the "true culture of Ram Sevaks."<ref name="Outlook-Eng" />
=== Connections with LTTE ===
In an April 2009 interview to [[NDTV]], Karunanidhi made a controversial remark stating that "[[Prabhakaran]] is my good friend" and also said, "India could not forgive the LTTE for assassinating Rajiv Gandhi".<ref>{{cite web |title=Karunanidhi flip flops, says can't forgive LTTE |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karunanidhi-flip-flops-says-cant-forgive-ltte/90663-37.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421163353/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karunanidhi-flip-flops-says-cant-forgive-ltte/90663-37.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2009 |access-date=22 November 2013 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=TamilNet |date=21 April 2012 |title=Karunanidhi: "Tamil Eelam Still Around the Corner" |url=http://www.tamilnet.tv/tn/2012/04/karunanidhi-tamil-eelam-still-around-the-corner/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234628/http://www.tamilnet.tv/tn/2012/04/karunanidhi-tamil-eelam-still-around-the-corner/ |archive-date=2 December 2013 |access-date=22 November 2013 |publisher=Tamilnet.tv}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=S |first1=Rajanayagam |title=Popular Cinema and Politics in South India: The Films of MGR and Rajinikanth |date=12 June 2015 |publisher=Routledge, 2015 |isbn=978-1-317-58772-9}}</ref> An interim report of Justice [[Jain Commission]], which oversaw the investigation into [[Rajiv Gandhi]]'s assassination, had indicted Karunanidhi for abetting Rajiv Gandhi's murderers, who belonged to the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE).<ref>{{cite magazine |title=India Today Cover Story Jain Commission Revelations: Damning the DMK] |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html |url-status=dead |magazine=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034354/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> but the final report contained no such allegations.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 February 2004 |title=No adverse comments on DMK leaders in Jain report |___location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040228033749/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 February 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref>
=== Allegations of nepotism ===
Karunanidhi has been accused by opponents, by some members of his party, and by other political observers of trying to promote [[nepotism]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=S |first1=Rajanayagam |title=Popular Cinema and Politics in South India: The Films of MGR and Rajinikanth |date=12 June 2015 |publisher=Routledge, 2015 |isbn=978-1-317-58772-9 |page=164}}</ref> Many political opponents and DMK party senior leaders have been critical of the rise of [[M. K. Stalin]] in the party.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} But some of the party men have pointed out that Stalin has come up on his own. Stalin was jailed under the [[Maintenance of Internal Security Act]] (MISA) during the Emergency that a fellow DMK party prisoner died trying to save him.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1 November 1999 |title=Politics: Special Series; M K Stalin |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html |url-status=dead |magazine=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034411/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref>
== Books ==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* ''Sanga Tamizh''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2018 |title=Muthuvel Karunanidhi's life immortalised in books |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/karunanidhi-books-karunanidhi-funeral-karunanidhi-life-story-5297908/ |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Nenjukku needhi''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Thenpandi singam''<ref name="Dailythanthi.com 2018">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2018 |title=கருணாநிதி எழுதிய நாடகங்கள், புத்தகங்கள் |url=http://www.dailythanthi.com/News/State/2018/08/08122053/Drama-and-Books-by-Karunanidhi.vpf |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=Dailythanthi.com}}</ref>
* ''Thirukkural Urai''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Payum puli pandara vanniyan''<ref name="Dailythanthi.com 2018" />
* ''Sindhanaiyum seiyalum''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1v1AnQEACAAJ |title=சிந்தனையும் செயலும் |date=2006 |publisher=தமிழ்க்கனி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Nerukkadi neruppuaru''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kceGOwAACAAJ |title=நெருக்கடி நெருப்பாறு |date=2006 |publisher=திருமகள் நிலையம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Pesum kalai Valarpom''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0O6SOwAACAAJ |title=பேசும் கலை வளர்ப்போம் |date=1999 |publisher=பாரதி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Anaiya Vizhakku Anna<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ue3XwAACAAJ |title=அணையா விளக்கு அண்ணா |date=2010 |publisher=தி. மு. க. தலைமைக்கழகம் |language=ta}}</ref>''
* ''Yaaral? Yaaral? Yaaral?<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q9_pOwAACAAJ |title=யாரால்? யாரால்? யாரால்? |date=1995 |publisher=பாரதி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>''
* Sanga Tamil<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jm1HPwAACAAJ |title=சங்கத் தமிழ் |date=2007 |publisher=திருமகள் நிலையம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Oru thalai kadhal''
* ''Pongi Varum Puthu Vellam''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5i5-XwAACAAJ |title=பொங்கி வரும் புது வெள்ளம் |date=2000 |publisher=திருமகள் நிலையம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Kaala Pethayum Kavithai Saaviyum''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qxNInQEACAAJ |title=காலப் பேழையும் கவிதைச் சாவியும் |date=2006 |publisher=தமிழ்க்கனி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Ilaya Samuthayam Elugave''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wcVlPQAACAAJ |title=இளைய சமுதாயம் எழுகவே! |date=1996 |publisher=திருமகள் நிலையம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Kuraloviyam''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Kalaignarin kavithai mazhai''<ref>{{Cite web |last=மு.கருணாநிதி |first=Kalaingar M. Karunanidhi [கலைஞர் |title=Kalaignarin Kavithai Mazhai [கலைஞரின் கவிதை மழை] |url=https://routemybook.com/products_details/kalaignarin-kavithai-mazhai-1706 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=Routemybook |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Vaanpugazh konda valluvam''
* ''Romapuri Pandiyan''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Iniyvai Irubadhu''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Mani Magudam''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5-8HPAAACAAJ |title=மணி மகுடம் |date=2001 |publisher=பாரதி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Valimael Vizhivanthu''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t_u8MwEACAAJ |title=வழிமேல் விழிவைத்து |date=1997 |publisher=திருமகள் நிலையம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Vellikizhamai''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
* ''Marakka Mudiyuma''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F06sXwAACAAJ |title=மறக்கமுடியுமா? |date=2004 |publisher=திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Kalaignar sonna kathaigal''<ref>{{Cite book |last=கருணாநிதி |first=கலைஞர் மு |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wrvPOwAACAAJ |title=கலைஞர் சொன்ன கதைகள் |date=2004 |publisher=பாரதி பதிப்பகம் |language=ta}}</ref>
* ''Ponnar sankar''<ref name="The Indian Express 2018" />
{{div col end}}
== See also ==
* [[List of political families]]
* [[List of Indian writers]]
* [[Karunanidhi family]]
* [[First Karunanidhi ministry]]
* [[Second Karunanidhi ministry]]
* [[Third Karunanidhi ministry]]
* [[Fourth Karunanidhi ministry]]
* [[Fifth Karunanidhi ministry]]
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book |last=Guneratne |ref=Guneratne |first=Anthony R. |author2=[[Wimal Dissanayake]] |author3=Sumita S. Chakravarty |author-link3=Sumita S. Chakravarty |title=Rethinking Third Cinema |publisher=Routledge |year=2003 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2IFR0oHGHKUC |isbn=0-415-21354-1}}
* {{cite book |first=Sumathy |last=Ramaswamy |ref=Ramaswamy |year=1997 |title=Passions of the tongue: language devotion in Tamil India, 1891–1970 |publisher=University of California Press |url=http://www.escholarship.org/editions/view?docId=ft5199n9v7&chunk.id=s2.2.10&toc.depth=1&toc.id=s1.2.8&brand=ucpress |isbn=0-520-20805-6}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QXEhEAAAQBAJ |title=Karunanidhi: A Life |last=Panneerselvan |first=A. S. |date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-90914-54-8 |language=en}}
== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120326130359/http://caravanmagazine.in/Story.aspx?Storyid=817&StoryStyle=FullStory The Last Lear: A Long Profile of Muthuvel Karunanidhi by Vinod K Jose in The Caravan magazine]
* [http://www.tamilnation.org/hundredtamils/karunanidhi.htm Muthuvel Karunanidhi: One Hundred Tamils of 20th Century]{{dead link|date=July 2014}}
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{{s-bef|before = [[C. N. Annadurai]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]<br />First & Second Tenure|years=1969–1976}}
{{s-vac|next=[[M. G. Ramachandran]] | reason=[[President's Rule]]}}
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{{s-vac|last=[[V. N. Janaki Ramachandran]] | reason=[[President's Rule]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]<br />Third Tenure|years=1989–1990}}
{{s-vac|next=[[J. Jayalalithaa]] | reason=[[President's Rule]]}}
{{s-bef|before = [[J. Jayalalithaa]] | rows=2}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]<br />Fourth Tenure|years=1996–2001}}
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{{s-ttl|title = [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]<br />Fifth Tenure|years=2006–2011}}
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