Bengaluru, August 07: Leaders of the state including former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and others condoled the death of former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi.

In his condolence note, Deve Gowda said that “I have shocked to hear the news. The country has lost an able leader. I have a close relationship with Karunanidhi for the last five decades. Today, I have lost my elder brother. When I had become the prime minister, Karunanidhi played a major role. The entire country and personally, it is great loss. Let the god give the family members courage to bear the loss of a great leader”, he said.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that when he was alive, he was a legend. Throughout his life, Karunanidhi had toiled for the development of Tamil Nadu. He had exhibited his statesmanship in strengthening and organizing a regional party. He had met him several times. Whenever he met him, Karunanidhi used to tell him about the importance of regional parties. The pro-people programmes introduced for the welfare of the backward and oppressed classes in Tamil Nadu, were replicated in several other states in the country. He had entered the politics through film industry and gave a strong voice for the voiceless through his unique political philosophy, which is a model to others, he said.

With the demise of Karunanidhi, the country has lost a charismatic personality in the politics and especially, Tamil Nadu has lost one of its top-most leaders, Kumaraswamy said.

BJP state president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that Karunanidhi who had worked as a social worker in very young age, had become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for five times and it was a great achievement. Because of his leadership, he would remain in the hearts of people. “When I was the chief minister in Karnataka, he was also the CM in Tamil Nadu. I would not forget his cooperation in installing the bust of Sarvajna at Chennai. The response of Karunanidhi was commendable for improving the relationship of two states by installing Thiruvalluvar bust in the state”, he recalled.

No one would deny his contribution to Tamil Nadu. The people of TN would remember his contribution for ever. After Jayalalitha’s demise, the death of Karunanidhi has created a void in Tamil Nadu politics. He would understand the pain of the people of Tamil Nadu. But no one should take law into their hands and give way for untoward incidents, he appealed.

 

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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.

After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.

Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.

Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.

The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.

Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.