Amid recent backlash of DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva over comments about the late Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, an old video from 7 February 1986, featuring former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has resurfaced on social media. In the unverified video, Karunanidhi speaks the same about Kamaraj and shares an anecdote highlighting their political rivalry and personal courtesy.
In the footage, Karunanidhi himself recounts how he took steps to support Kamaraj during his travels, even when Kamaraj was openly critical of the DMK government.
Karunanidhi explains in the video that after taking over the leadership of the DMK following the era of Anna, he was informed by Rajaram Naidu that Kamaraj, while campaigning in remote and hot regions, was struggling with the heat. Despite their political differences, Karunanidhi said he personally arranged for air conditioners to be installed at Kamaraj’s lodging locations to ensure his comfort and health. Karunanidhi adds that although Kamaraj was actively opposing the DMK at the time, it was the DMK that took care of him. He concluded by saying that loyal and appreciative Congress leaders, including Thevar, would recognize this gesture.
He says, “They have said that Chief Minister Karunanidhi performed the final rites for Perunthalaivar Kamaraj, just as how Kamaraj’s own brother would have done. I would also like to add something else. During the period when Perunthalaivar Kamaraj was alive, and after Anna, when I took charge of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, Perunthalaivar Kamaraj was touring various places, criticizing the DMK rule. At that time, due to Kamaraj’s inability to withstand the heat and the discomfort caused by the scorching sun, he had to travel to outer villages for campaigning. However, the places where he stayed did not have air-conditioning facilities. Therefore, Rajaram Naidu informed me that arrangements needed to be made for this. Even though Kamaraj was traveling to criticize the DMK, it was I, Karunanidhi, who ordered air conditioners to be installed in every lodge where he stayed, keeping his health in mind. Thevar and all good, grateful Congress members will certainly acknowledge this.”
நன்றியுள்ள காங்கரஸ்காரர்கள் அனைவரும் நிச்சயம் இதை உணர்வார்கள் – கலைஞர் 🙏💥 pic.twitter.com/SvkSyoLaHZ
— டான் (@krajesh4u) July 18, 2025
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