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He advocated a separate Tamil Eelam, but was careful not to encourage any attempt to stoke separatist sentiments in Tamil Nadu.
It is the misfortune of some leaders that public perception, based on their recent actions and political positions, tends to overshadow their long history of engagement with an issue. It is so with M. Karunanidhi, who was an outspoken champion of the cause of the Sri Lankan Tamils for five decades, but whose perceived “inaction” in the final days of the civil war in the island nation in 2009 stuck to his reputation during the sunset of his life.
To his legion of supporters, Mr. Karunanidhi was ‘Tamil Inaththalaivar’ or, ‘the leader of the Tamil race’. He wore the appellation with some pride in the prime of his political career, but not many believed in it in the end. Much of the hatred and disdain that he suffered came after May 2009, the month that saw the demise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, its leader V. Prabhakaran and Mr. Karunanidhi’s own reputation as a lifelong supporter of the Tamil cause.
It was somewhat unfair as he was not only a friend of many Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, but also commanded much respect from Tamil federalist politicians. He was one of the few Indian leaders who had empathy for the plight of the Tamils across the Palk Bay, as well as deep understanding of the political problem underlying the ethnic conflict.
While many may differ with him for advocating a separate Tamil Eelam, he had made it amply clear that he primarily stood for a just solution for the Tamils.
M. Karunanidhi during an indefinite fast over the Eelam war, in Chennai on April 27, 2009.
M. Karunanidhi during an indefinite fast over the Eelam war, in Chennai on April 27, 2009. Photo Credit: Reuters
When he returned to power in 1989, there was a change of guard at the Centre. The National Front government, of which he was a constituent, asked him to get in touch with the LTTE leadership to find a solution to the Tamil question. The withdrawal of the IPKF from Sri Lanka was also complete around this time. He vehemently denied allegations that the Tigers were having a free run during his regime.
The LTTE utilised the favourable circumstances that prevailed in Tamil Nadu to entrench itself as a covert group and plan the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.