Business leaders condole Karunanidhi's death, call him 'giant among men'

"Political leaders in Tamil Nadu have always been larger than life. Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji was a giant among men for sure. But in every encounter that I had with him I was struck by his informality, his humour and his hearty laugh. The most celebrated men are always the most human," industrialist Anand Mahindra said.

"An iconic political leader who led with conviction," another business leader, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon group said while paying her tributes.

Karunanidhi, a colossus of Dravidian politics, died in Chennai today after waging a grim battle for life for 11 days. 

Karunanidhi, one of the most charismatic leaders of Tamil Nadu whose public life spanned over seven decades, was 94. He was five-time chief minister.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted he was extremely pained by the sad demise of "an exceptional politician and mass leader". 

"He was a great human being. His contributions to Tamil Nadu and national politics will always be remembered," Jaitley said while extending his condolences to Karunanidhi's family members and the party.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram said, "In the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi, the nation and the Tamil people have lost a colossus who was more than the 50-year leader of a political party and a five-time Chief Minister."

"Kalaignar had the unique honour of being an acknowledged multi-faceted leader in multiple fields such as politics, literature, journalism, drama, cinema, art, philosophy and government administration," he said.

Industry body CII said the country has lost a great visionary, dynamic and inspiring leader who ensured equitable socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu.

In a statement, CII President Rakesh Bharti Mittal condoled the demise and said "during the tenure of Dr Karunanidhi as Chief Minister over many terms, industrial growth in Tamil Nadu had progressed remarkably well."

Several key initiatives were taken through his inspirational direction and strong encouragement, said the CII President, adding that "these contributed greatly to industrial development in the state."

Mittal referred to notable programs where CII partnered with the late Chief Minister such as District Development Plans, Southern Districts initiative in Tamil Nadu, Development of IT parks in Tier II Cities and ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu in partnership with the State Government. 

"Industry in the state will always miss his towering personality and erudite guidance," said Mittal.