Chennai: DMK Chief M Karunanidhi who had been a five time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and was a dominant in the state politics for about six decades along with arch rivals like MG Ramachandran and then Jayalalithaa, died at a hospital in Chennai this evening. The ailing leader of age 94 was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 28 after he was analyzed to have contracted urinary tract infection and developed a high fever.

He was reportedly declared dead at 6.10 pm “Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond,” the hospital said in a statement.

As on July 29, there were vital signs in Mr Karunanidhi that showed that he had further weakened triggering huge concern, but the crisis passed within hours. The hospital later termed it a “transient setback” and the doctors advised for a longer stay of the leader at the hospital citing “age related overall decline, altered liver function and haematological parameters”.

His health was reportedly downturn again on Monday evening. The hospital in a bulletin said that maintaining his vital organ functions remains “a challenge” in view of his age-related ailments and the next 24 hours would be more crucial.

The body of the DMK president was taken to his home in Gopalapuram in Chennai and then the body will be taken to Rajaji Hall for people to pay their last respects. The leader’s mortal remains will be laid to rest tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his message of condolence for the death of Mr. Karunanidhi, calling him a deep rooted mass leader, accomplished writer, prolific thinker and a stalwart who devoted his life to the welfare of the poor.

The PM is reported to be travelling to Chennai tomorrow morning to pay his last respects to Mr. Karunanidhi. In the same way Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is also expected to arrive and pay his last respects.

Mr. Karunanidhi had to frequently visit to the hospital for more than a year while recovering from a long ailment. During these days he maintained seclusion in his life and made no public appearance except occasional visits to his party office.

During the last days of his illness, he was visited by President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkiah Naidu and many political bigwigs across all party lines, both at his home and then at the hospital. Among those who visited him were the Congress President Rahul Gandhi, union minister Nititn Gadkari, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien, actor-politicians Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth.

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