Karunanidhi, leaders pay homage to PTR

Madurai, May 20 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi led the state in paying homage to Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P T R Palanivel Rajan, who passed away early today following a cardiac arrest.

An emotionally choked Mr Karunanidhi, accompanied by Union Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran, consoled the family members of the departed minister, a DMK stalwart.

The late Minister's mother, Karpagambal, wife, Rukmani and other members of the family broke down on Mr Karunanidhi's arrival.

Earlier in the day, CPI(M) State Secretary N Varadarajan, along with party MP, P Mohan, legislator N Nanmaran and State Committee member Sampath paid homage to the departed Minister.

The State Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Minister R Thamizharasi was one among those, who accompanied the body of the late leader from Dindigul, where he died.

Right from the morning DMK workers and supporters thronged the family house of PTR in the posh Chokikulam area, giving police a tough time to control the crowd. Functionaries of the DMK as well as trade union representatives arrived in large numbers to pay their last respects.

The deceased minister's son, Thiagarajan, is expected to arrive from abroad and the funeral, would take place tomorrow, according to family sources.

UNI