Murasoli Selvam, Renowned Journalist and DMK Leader, Dies at 84 in Bengaluru

Murasoli Selvam, brother of the late Union Minister Murasoli Maran and former editor of the DMK's official publication Murasoli, passed away on Thursday morning in Bengaluru. He was 84 years old. Selvam was the son of M Karunanidhi's sister and had been associated with Murasoli for over five decades. He also produced several Tamil films. He was married to Selvi, Karunanidhi's daughter, making him Chief Minister M K Stalin's brother-in-law.

The DMK general secretary, Duraimurugan, praised Selvam as a distinguished writer and journalist who promoted the party's ideology and participated in anti-Hindi protests. As a tribute, the party flag will be flown at half-mast for three days starting October 10. The Chennai Press Club expressed condolences, highlighting Selvam's unwavering support for press freedom. They recalled an incident from September 21, 1992, when Selvam faced reprimand in the State Assembly during the AIADMK regime for allegedly violating House privileges.

Condolences and Tributes

Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed shock and sorrow over Selvam's passing. He noted that Selvam had been involved with Murasoli from a young age and served as its editor. Stalin described him as soft-spoken and deeply committed to the party's principles. "Selvam was my guide," Stalin said, acknowledging his advice on party matters and crisis management.

Numerous political figures extended their condolences to Selvam's family, including former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, and leaders from DMK's alliance parties like Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K Selvaperunthagai. State ministers also expressed their sympathies.

Final Respects

Selvam’s mortal remains were brought to the Gopalapuram residence of former DMK president and late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Chief Minister Stalin became emotional upon seeing them and was comforted by his Deputy CM son Udhayanidhi and other family members. Various dignitaries paid their last respects to Selvam.

Among those who paid tribute were State Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Chennai Mayor, Deputy Mayor, MPs, MLAs, DMK leaders and cadres, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, MDMK chief Vaiko, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, and political leaders such as E R Easwaran, Velmurugan, A C Shanmugam, and Vijay Vasanth.

Film personalities like Vairamuthu, Satyaraj, Sarathkumar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Vagai Chandrasekhar, Prasanth, Sivaji Ganesan’s family members, singer Seerkazhi Sivachidambaram, actor Vijay’s wife Sangeetha, actor Vikram’s wife Shailaja, actress Sripriya also attended. Industrialist VG Santhosham and VIT Chancellor Viswanathan were present too.

Others who paid homage included Pon Kumar from the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board, poet Manushyaputran, dentist Dr Balaji, archbishop Vincent Chinnadurai. Senior government officials like chief secretary N Muruganandam and DGP Shankar Jiwal also paid their respects to Selvam.