Chennai's Kauvery Hospital has confirmed the passing away of M Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.  He breathed his last at 6:10 PM.

"Despite the best possible efforts by our team of doctors and nurses to resuscitate him, he failed to respond," the hospital said.

The death has shocked MK's fans across the world.  A news agency reported that a DMK worker literally broke down outside the hospital after the above statement was issued.  

Meanwhile, there are rumours that the AIADMK dispensation is not OK with a Marina Beach burial for the late leader.  These may be totally false. "If true, it would be a betrayal of TN sentiment not to accord a ceremonial burial to Kalaignar, who has truly earned his iconic place alongside CN Annadurai!" opined senior journalist Malini Parthasarathy.