Sonia: M Karunanidhi tallest leader in contemporary politics

In her two-page birthday greeting to Karunanidhi, a copy of which was circulated to the media by the DMK high command, Sonia said Karunanidhi was the unquestioned leader of DMK since 1969 and since 1957 he contested and won every Assembly elections. 

Lauding him for remaining “devoted to Tamil Nadu and Tamil people” despite getting many opportunities to play a role at the Centre, the Congress national president acknowledged the crucial support he gave to the Congress in 1971, 1980, 2004 and 2009, and said that it was a “record in politics in any democratic country” that he remained at the helm of a political party for 48 continuous years.

Admitting that she was aware of the nonagenarian not keeping well for the last few months, Sonia said, ‘’I have often enquired about his health and have wished him a long life,” adding, “ I join the hundreds of thousands of admirers and followers to greet Karunanidhi on his birthday and wish him good health.”

Admiring the longevity of his life and political career stretching for nearly a century, Sonia said, “Beginning in the 1940s, Karunanidhi’s political life dominated the better part of the 20th century and remains an important factor in the 17 years of the 21st century.” “As CM, he was an able administrator, known for implementing the radical ideas of the Dravidian movement and for quick decisions. As a Leader of the Opposition, he was a formidable adversary, who kept the government on its toes,” she said. 

The former UPA chairperson also referred to the five-time CM’s achievement as a journalist, novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, script writer, actor, film producer and above all an acknowledged Tamil scholar.