"Can I call you Appa for one last time my leader," DMK leader M.K. Stalin penned an emotional letter to his departed father and party leader M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday.
Chief Minister for five times and leader of DMK party for 50 years, the 94-year-old Karunanidhi breathed his last here owing to age-related ailments in a private hospital here.
Stalin in his letter said: "Rather than calling you as Appa, Appa, I have called you as Thalaivaray, Thalaivaray (my leader) more number of times. Can I call you as Appa once Thalaivaray."
Stalin asked his departed father Karunanidhi as to why he did not tell where he was going this time when his habit was always to inform his destination before starting out.
"Thirty three years back, you had said your grave should have the words... the person who had worked without rest is resting here. Have you departed with the satisfaction of having worked hard for the Tamil community," Stalin added.
The five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu breathed his last at the age of 94. Karunanidhi's influence on the state administration was often equated to the Gandhi family's dynastic politics through Congress.
As news of the leader's death spread, Stalin issued a statement urging people to maintain peace in the state.
"Do not give room for untoward incidents. Maintain peace," said Stalin in a statement, "Hand over anti socials to police , they may attempt to tarnish DMK."
He also asked party workers to "cooperate with the police and prove that DMK follows military discipline."
Karunanidhi's burial will be held on Wednesday, August 8, and the mortal remains have been kept at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai for people to pay their last respects. Stalin was seen crying after the the Madras HC allowed Karunanidhi's burial at the Marina beach.
Known to be a favourite of Karunanidhi, Stalin was also born to the leader's second wife Dayalu. A four-time MLA, he will now take charge of DMK.
