Top Tamil Nadu politicians visit ill DMK chief Karunanidhi
What's the story
Top Tamil Nadu politicians including Deputy CM O Panneerselvam and Kamal Haasan visited M Karunanidhi yesterday, who hasn't been keeping well.
The 94-year-old is suffering from urinary tract infection and is being treated at his Gopalapuram home by Kauvery Hospital staff.
The five-time CM has been unwell for over a year and is rarely seen in public.
Today is his 50th anniversary as DMK chief.
Politics
Karunanidhi entered politics when he was just 14
Karunanidhi, born as 'Dakshinamurthy,' entered politics when he was 14. He eventually formed the Tamil Nadu Tamil Manavar Mandram- the Dravidian movement's first student wing.
In 1957, he entered the state assembly, and in 1962, became the deputy leader of opposition.
His rise in DMK was swift too, becoming the treasurer in 1961 and the first chief in 1969.
Karunanidhi became CM for the first time in 1969.
Arts
He has penned over a 100 stories and poems
Karunanidhi was involved in films and literature too. As screenwriter, he wrote historical and reformist stories like 'Parasakthi,' 'Panam' and 'Thangarathnam,' propagating the ideals of the Dravidian movement.
Many were censored for their then anti-majoritarian views.
He also penned poems, novels, biographies, plays and songs.
Noteworthy books included 'Sanga Thamizh,' 'Thenpandi Singam,' 'Vellikizhamai' and 'Kuraloviam.'
Among plays, 'Manimagudam,' 'Palaniappan,' 'Kagithapoo,' 'Udhayasooriyan' and others left a mark.
Controversies
Corruption, nepotism and the LTTE
Karunanidhi's political-life has been marred by controversies. His government was dismissed in the 1980s for corruption and secession; he was even arrested for corruption.
He was indicted for abetting the LTTE and Rajiv Gandhi's murderers, though these charges didn't make it to the investigation panel's final report.
He's also been accused of nepotism, with some questioning his son MK Stalin's rise in the DMK.
Information
"Slight decline" in Karunanidhi's health, doctors say
Recently, the former CM had a short hospital stay after a procedure to change his tracheostomy. Yesterday, doctors said there was a "slight decline" in his health, adding he's being treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids and is being monitored round the clock.
Leaders
Leaders visit Karunanidhi, hold talks with Stalin
Several leaders came visiting yesterday, including AIADMK ministers Panneerselvam, SP Velumani, P Thangamani and D Jayakumar.
They also held discussions with DMK's working president Stalin and party leaders Duraimurugan and TR Baalu.
Haasan, whom Karunanidhi had invited to join politics in 1993, Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and former union minister GK Vasan also came.
"Karunanidhi will return in good health soon," Jayakumar said.