Chennai: A day after former DMK minister
Ko Si Mani died in
Kumbakonam, party president
M Karunanidhi on Saturday paid
rich tributes to his late party colleague, recalling his ground work in the undivided Thanjavur district.
Karunanidhi, who is recuperating at a private hospital here following a drug-induced allergy, said when he was "hesitatingly informed" that Mani had passed away, he had wanted to go to Kumbakonam to pay his last respects.
"Mani was a friend, well-wisher and a minister. He closely worked with veteran Dravidian leaders E V R Periyar and C N Annadurai and was known for his love for Tamil language,"
Karunanidhi said in a statement.
Mani worked hard as a DMK grassroots level worker in Thanjavur and had greatly contributed for its growth in the region, Karunanidhi said.