MK Stalin Breaks Down On Hearing Court Ruling On Father's Burial

Emotional scenes were witnessed at the iconic Rajaji Hall in Chennai where veteran politician M Karunanidhi's body is placed in a glass casket, wrapped in the national flag. His son MK Stalin broke down on hearing that the Madras High Court has allowed his father's burial at Marina Beach in the city. Mr Stalin, who was standing by his father's body, was seen being consoled by his associates and party leaders. Party leader A Raja hugged him as the crowd shouted in relief.

Thousands of people, from all of walks, are pouring in at Rajaji Hall to catch a last glimpse of the DMK patriarch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tribute to the five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, laid a wreath on the glass casket and had a brief interaction with his family. 

Among the early visitors this morning were superstar Rajinikanth and his family, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam.

Thousands of supporters poured in at Rajaji Hall in Chennai to catch a last glimpse of M Karunanidhi.

After a rare midnight hearing, the Madras High Court resumed hearing the DMK's request to bury Karunanidhi at Marina Beach. 

Outside Anna Memorial at Marina Beach, a swell of DMK supporters gathered, calling for their leader - better known as "Kalaignar" (artiste) - to be honoured with a burial at the venue. Rapid Action Force was deployed outside to control the crowds. Many people tried pushing the barricades at the venue.

Karunanidhi Burial: Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed at Anna Memorial.

Mr Stalin, who wrote a moving poem in his father's memory and other family members, including MK Selvam and daughter M Kanimozhi, have been standing beside Karunanidhi's body.

Karunanidhi's body was brought to the Rajaji Hall early this morning after it was taken to his homes at Gopalapuram here and at CIT Colony for relatives and leaders to pay their last respects.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and several other politicians paid homage to M Karunanidhi at Rajaji Hall.

Ninety four-year-old M Karunanidhi was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on July 28 after he contracted urinary tract infection and developed a high fever. He died a little after 6 pm on Tuesday.