Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his anguish over the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi.

In a series of tweets, Modi said: "Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India.

"We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalized.

"Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu's voice was effectively heard," Modi said.

My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7ZZQi9VEkm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018Modi said he had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi on several occasions. "His understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami expressed his grief over the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi by saying that he was anguished on hearing about the demise of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a very senior politician and a leader of the DMK for 50 long years.

மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு.எடப்பாடி கே.பழனிசாமி அவர்களின் இரங்கல் செய்தி - 7.8.2018 pic.twitter.com/NXEV9jZxUZ

— Edappadi K Palaniswami (@CMOTamilNadu) August 7, 2018

Karunanidhi fought for social justice, the Chief Minister said. His death is a great loss to the state. He offered his condolences to the late leader's family members.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday described the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M. Karunanidhi as "a great loss to the nation".

The Aam Aadmi Party leader said he will fly to Chennai on Wednesday to pay his tributes to the DMK stalwart who died on Tuesday evening at age 94.

"Feel very sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. It is a great loss to the nation," Kejriwal tweeted.

Feel v sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation. https://t.co/fymujgcmMI

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 7, 2018

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday mourned the death of DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi, saying the country has lost one of its greatest sons.

"Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell Kalaignar. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, DMK and family. India mourns your loss," Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle.

A former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi, 94, died on Tuesday evening at the Kauvery Hospital.

Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell @Kalaignar89. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, @arivalayam, @mkstalin, @KanimozhiDMK and family. India mourns your loss

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2018

His passing away marks an end of an era, said Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Pained to learn about the sad demise of Dr. M. Karunanidhi. His passing away is an irreparable loss to country and to the state of Tamil Nadu and marks end of an era. I convey my heartfelt condolences to members of his bereaved family and his supporters across the country.

— Sumitra Mahajan (@S_MahajanLS) August 7, 2018

A seasoned leader who dedicated himself in service to the poor and needy, said Rajnath Singh.

The demise of Kalaignar Karunanidhi is a monumental loss to India’s political landscape. His contribution to the Tamil society and the Tamil Nadu state will always be remembered. My heartfelt tributes to Kalaignar Karunanidhi and condolences to the bereaved family.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 7, 2018

A leader loved by millions in and outside Tamil Nadu, said Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Deepest condolences to the family and supporters of Shri M. Karunanidhi ji as his earthly sojourn comes to a close. He was a leader loved by millions both in and outside Tamil Nadu for his contribution towards the society at large. May his soul rest in peace.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 7, 2018

A nation has lost a veteran politician, said Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh.

Saddened by the news of death of Shri Karunanidhi. In his death not just Tamil Nadu and his DMk party but the nation has lost a veteran politician. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 7, 2018

Not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu but for the entire country, said PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti.

His passing away is not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu but for the entire country. He was an outstanding leader who was passionately devoted to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. Deepest condolences to @mkstalin ji and the familiy. 2/2

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 7, 2018

A legend in his lifetime, said National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah.

A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 7, 2018

First Published:Aug 7, 2018 7:15 PM IST