Karunanidhi

Karunanidhi, born M. Karunanidhi on June 3, 1924, was an Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a record 25 years, from 1969 to 2011. He was a prominent leader of the Dravidian Movement, a political movement that advocates for the rights and interests of the Dravidian people, primarily the Tamils. Karunanidhi was a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which he co-founded in 1949.

Karunanidhi's political career began in the 1950s when he was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He quickly rose through the ranks of the DMK and became a key figure in the party's leadership. In 1969, he became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a position he held for over four decades. During his tenure, Karunanidhi implemented several policies aimed at promoting Tamil culture and language, as well as addressing the economic and social issues facing the state.

Karunanidhi was known for his oratorical skills and his ability to connect with the common people. He was a strong advocate for Tamil nationalism and played a significant role in the development of Tamil cinema and literature. He was also a vocal critic of the Indian government and its policies, often clashing with the central government over issues such as water sharing and the implementation of the Anti-Defection Law.

Karunanidhi's political career was marked by both achievements and controversies. He was credited with bringing about significant changes in Tamil Nadu, including the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Film Development Corporation and the Tamil Nadu State Council for History Research. However, he was also criticized for his authoritarian style of governance and his alleged involvement in corruption and human rights abuses.

Karunanidhi passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94. His death marked the end of an era in Tamil Nadu politics, and his legacy continues to be a subject of debate and discussion among political analysts and the general public.