Bengaluru: Even as the state observed a day of mourning as a mark of respect for DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi ,who died in Chennai on Tuesday, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy led several leaders of Karnataka in paying tribute to the late leader, who dreamed of building a Dravidian nation.
Mr Kumaraswamy recalled in his condolence message that Mr Karunanidhi was a strong proponent of regional parties. "He strived for the development of Tamil Nadu all his life and built a stronghold for the regional party, DMK. I met him several times and took tips from him on strengthening regional parties. He always spoke of the importance of regional parties to safeguard the interest of states," he added.
The CM also recalled the DMK's support in making his father, H.D. Deve Gowda Prime Minister of the country.
"DMK was a prominent coalition partner in the Deve Gowda government at the Centre and played a crucial role in formation of the government," he noted.
Former CM Siddaramaiah said Mr Karunanidhi had dedicated his life to the upliftment of the downtrodden and was a pioneer in providing social justice in Tamil Nadu.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled the death of the DMK leader, who had served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu several times. Others who paid tribute to him included former Prime Minister, H.D.Deve Gowda, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwar, KPCC president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and former Chief Minister, M. Veerappa Moily.
Meanwhile in Bengaluru, members of Bangalore Tamil Sangam offered floral tribute to Karunanidhi and decided to hold a condolence meeting the coming Sunday.
Representatives of the Sangam told DC that they have plans to invite politicians right from formerPM Deve Gowda, CM Kumaraswamy, Minister K J George, MLA Roshan Baig, MP PC Mohan, BBMP Mayor Sampath Raj and BBMP corporators.
