Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today released the centenary commemorative coin of Dr.Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi in Chennai. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister paid rich tributes to the late leader and described him as one of the icons of Indian politics.

He said that Kalaignar had played a defining role in realising the importance of federalism in a democracy. Mr. Singh said that it was the DMK patriarch who resonated with the voice of Tamil Nadu in national politics. Remembering the days when he was a minister while DMK was part of the NDA, Mr. Singh said that Karunanidhi maintained a great relationship with all the leaders of the nation.

The Defence Minister said that Kalaignar had emphasised that the development of the states is imperative to the growth of the nation.

Prior to the release of the commemorative coin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid respects at the memorial of the departed leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr.L. Murugan also participated in the event.