Dravidian icon M Karunanidhi passes away at the age of 94

One of the senior most leaders of India and a Dravidian icon M Karunanidhi passed away at the age of 94. Hundreds of DMK cadres thronged Chennai's Kauvery Hospital after the news of Karunanidhi's deteriorating health broke out on Monday. They were confident that their leader, who was popularly known as Kalaignar, would fight all odds and come out victorious but broke into tears when they heard the news of him passing away. Earlier the Doctors had said that the 94-year-old former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's response to medical intervention over the next 24 hours would determine the prognosis. "There has been a decline in the medical condition of Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments," said a statement from Kauvery Hospital. Karunanidhi was hospitalised in Kauvery Hospital on July 28 after a dip in blood pressure. In the last 10 days, a virtual Who's Who of Indian politics - right from President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and leaders from various parties including the BJP, Left and others - visited the hospital to express their wishes for Karunanidhi's speedy recovery.