M. Karunanidhi

Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi (generally referred to as M. Karunanidhi), (born June 3 1924) is one of the founder members and the present leader of the DMK party in Tamil Nadu, India. He is the president of the DMK party since 1969. He has been the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu four times (1969-71, 1971-76, 1989-91, and 1996-2001).

Related Topics:
June 3 - 1924 - DMK - Tamil Nadu - India - Chief Minister

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Karunanidhi started his career as a script-writer working in the Tamil film industry, but his wit and oratorical skills rapidly made him a popular politician. He was famous for writing historicals and mythological stories which propagated the socialist and rationalist ideals of Dravidian movement to which he belonged to. He has never lost an election in his long political career spanning over 60 years. However, allegations of corruption have dogged his years in power. On June 30, 2001 he was arrested for alleged involvement in the "flyover scam" at around midnight, an act which raised a lot of humanitarian questions. Although later released on health grounds, his arrest provoked massive riots, and brought the government of Tamil Nadu into direct conflict with the Central Indian Government.

Related Topics:
Corruption - June 30 - 2001

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He has championed the cause of Tamil language in the past and has rallied against the "imposition" of Hindi in Tamil Nadu. According to him "Hindi is like 'carrier food' from the hotel; English is the food made by cook according to one's instructions; and Tamil, food from the mother who knows the family's needs and preferences, and feeds them accordingly". Although this has been hailed by Tamil fanatics it has been ascribed as the prime cause for lack of Hindi knowledge amongst Tamilians who amongst all Indians are the ones that are least educated in the Hindi language. In social spheres this has been widely regretted as most Tamilians cannot speak the National language of their own motherland.

Related Topics:
Tamil language - Hindi

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His son, M.K. Stalin is widely expected to succeed him as leader of the party, causing some political opponents to criticise him for attempting to establish a political dynasty. His defenders counter that Stalin has been in the party for several years and has contributed to its growth.

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He is also widely criticized for practising Polygamy and having two wives although polygamy is officially illegal as per Indian legal system. This aspect has also been portrayed in the Tamil movie Iruvar.

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His grand-nephew, Dayanidhi Maran, is currently the Union Minister of Communications & Information Technology. He wears a yellow shawl all the time to create what is called an identity. This practice is very common among Tamil politicians where in they dress in a peculiar way such that one piece of their dress will always be with them and will be in the same color. In this case it is a yellow shawl. Many say the reason for the yellow shawl is because it helps him as he has the influence of Planet Jupiter and according to Hindu beliefs wearing the color of Jupiter(yellow) helps during such a phase. He portrays himself as a strong athiest and this one practice is used by his critics to betray his hypocrisy.

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