CM Vijay hails Karunanidhi's legacy on 103rd birth anniversary tribute
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay's tribute to M. Karunanidhi on his 103rd birth anniversary signals more than ceremonial respect — it is a cross-party nod to the Dravidian icon's enduring sway. As MK Stalin led DMK rites at Marina Beach, the convergence of voices hints at how Karunanidhi's legacy still anchors Tamil Nadu's political narrative.
Key Takeaways
Joseph Vijay paid tribute to M.
Karunanidhi on his 103rd birth anniversary on 3 June .
Vijay hailed Karunanidhi's contributions to Tamil literature, cinema, governance and his vision of State autonomy.
Stalin led tributes at the Karunanidhi Memorial on Marina Beach, Chennai.
Udhayanidhi Stalin offered floral tributes to his grandfather at DMK headquarters.
Karunanidhi served as Tamil Nadu CM five times and led the DMK for nearly five decades .
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday, 3 June, paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi on his 103rd birth anniversary, hailing the late leader's enduring contributions to Tamil literature, cinema, politics and governance. The tribute, issued from Chennai, came as the ruling DMK held commemorative events at the Karunanidhi Memorial on Marina Beach.
What CM Vijay said
In a statement, CM Vijay described Karunanidhi as a towering figure whose influence extended well beyond electoral politics, leaving what he called an indelible imprint on Tamil society. He underscored the late leader's command over the Tamil language and his work as a writer, playwright, screenwriter, administrator and political organiser.
‘Karunanidhi's knowledge of Tamil, literature, cinema, politics and governance, as well as his vision for State autonomy and the protection of State rights, continue to be remembered and admired,' CM Vijay said.
Federalism and social justice in focus
The Chief Minister also recalled Karunanidhi's role in championing social justice and federal principles, noting that his efforts to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests and strengthen the rights of states within the Indian Union remain significant milestones in the state's political history. He said the late leader's multifaceted achievements had secured him a unique place in public memory.
Stalin leads DMK tributes at Marina
Meanwhile, DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin led tribute ceremonies at the Karunanidhi Memorial on Marina Beach. Accompanied by senior party leaders, MPs, MLAs and former ministers, Stalin offered floral tributes to the Dravidian stalwart.
In a social media message, Stalin remembered his father as a tireless leader who worked relentlessly for Tamil Nadu's advancement and the welfare of its people until his final days. He urged party cadres to draw inspiration from Karunanidhi's perseverance, commitment to social justice and dedication to public service.
Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin also paid floral tributes to his grandfather at the party's headquarters in Chennai. Senior DMK leaders and cadres across the state participated in welfare initiatives and remembrance events.
The Karunanidhi legacy
Karunanidhi served as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times and led the DMK for nearly five decades, remaining one of the most influential figures in the Dravidian movement's history. He is widely celebrated for his contributions to Tamil literature and cinema, and remembered for pioneering welfare measures that shaped the political discourse of modern Tamil Nadu.
The cross-party tributes — from CM Vijay, who leads the newly emergent Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam constituency, and from the ruling DMK — underline the late leader's continuing pull on Tamil Nadu's political imagination ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Point of View
Beyond party lines. For CM Vijay, the gesture also doubles as positioning: invoking Karunanidhi's State-autonomy plank lets him stake claim to the same federalist turf the DMK has long occupied. The real test, however, is whether his governance translates this rhetorical inheritance into policy. Tribute statements are easy; defending State rights against the Centre in practice is not.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 3 June significant for the DMK?
3 June marks the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi. In 2025, the day was observed as his 103rd birth anniversary, with commemorative events held across the state.
What did CM C. Joseph Vijay say about Karunanidhi?
CM Vijay described Karunanidhi as a towering personality whose influence extended beyond politics into Tamil literature, cinema and governance. He specifically praised the late leader's vision for State autonomy and protection of States' rights within the Indian Union.
How did the DMK mark the anniversary?
DMK President M.K. Stalin led tribute ceremonies at the Karunanidhi Memorial on Chennai's Marina Beach, joined by senior leaders, MPs, MLAs and former ministers. Udhayanidhi Stalin also paid tributes at the party headquarters, and welfare programmes were organised across the state.
How many times did Karunanidhi serve as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister?
Karunanidhi served as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister five times and led the DMK for nearly five decades. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of the Dravidian movement.
What was Karunanidhi's contribution beyond politics?
Beyond politics, Karunanidhi was a noted Tamil writer, playwright and screenwriter whose work shaped modern Tamil literature and cinema. He is also credited with pioneering welfare measures that influenced the social policy direction of Tamil Nadu.
