Rajnath releases coin in honour of Karunanidhi, calls him ‘titan’

Chennai, August 18

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday released a Rs 100 coin to commemorate the birth centenary of late DMK chief M Karunanidhi, and was effusive in his praise of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, calling him a “titan” of Indian politics.

Singh released the coin in the presence of present Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, son of Karunanidhi, who received it. “Karunanidhi is one of the most revered leaders of our country. A man whose influence extended far beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu. Karunanidhi was a titan of Indian politics, a cultural stalwart and a relentless advocate of social justice,” Singh noted.

The Dravidian champion’s political journey is a story of resilience, determination and deep-rooted connection with the people. His tenure as a five-time CM is marked by his remarkable ability to address the needs of the common people, he said.

“While navigating the complex waters of Indian politics, he was not just a regional leader, but a national figure whose influence was felt across the country,” the minister said. He added that Karunanidhi, fondly addressed as ‘Kalaignar’, understood that the strength of Indian democracy lay in its ability to accommodate diverse voices and identities.

“His participation in national politics, his role in coalition government and his interactions with leaders across the political spectrum reflected his commitment to the idea of India,” he added.

Stalin recalled the many welfare initiatives launched by Karunanidhi in the past in various fields including education and healthcare. His father “is the architect of modern Tamil Nadu”, he said, and recalled Karunanidhi’s struggle to ensure that CMs hoisted the Tricolour on August 15 and hailed him for his strong pro-democracy stand. — PTI