M. Karunanidhi (1924–2018) was a five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Over his decades-long political career, he played a crucial role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape. His family is deeply involved in politics, cinema, and business, with several members holding influential positions.

M. Karunanidhi’s Wives & Children

1. First Wife: Padmavathy Ammal

  • M.K. Muthu (born 1948)
    • The eldest son of Karunanidhi, Muthu was initially launched as an actor and playback singer in Tamil cinema.
    • He later joined politics but had a strained relationship with his father and was sidelined from DMK.

2. Second Wife: Dayalu Ammal

M.K. Alagiri (born 1950)

  • Former Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers (2009-2013).
  • Was DMK’s South Tamil Nadu in-charge but was expelled from the party in 2014 due to disputes with his younger brother Stalin.
  • Lives in Madurai and stays away from active politics.

M.K. Stalin (born 1953)

  • Current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (since 2021).
  • President of the DMK and Karunanidhi’s political heir.
  • Served as the Deputy Chief Minister (2009-2011) and has been involved in Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

M.K. Tamilarasu

  • The least politically active among Karunanidhi’s sons.
  • He is a film producer and businessman.

Selvi

  • Only daughter of Karunanidhi and Dayalu Ammal.
  • Married to Murasoli Maran (former Union Minister and nephew of Karunanidhi).

3. Third Wife: Rajathi Ammal

  • Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (born 1968)
    • Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and an influential DMK leader.
    • Has been actively involved in literature, arts, and Tamil cultural activities.
    • Was involved in the 2G spectrum case but later acquitted.

M. Karunanidhi’s Grandchildren & Their Roles

1. From M.K. Stalin (Son of Dayalu Ammal):

  • Udhayanidhi Stalin
    • An actor, film producer, and politician.
    • Currently serves as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development.
    • Emerging as an important youth leader in the DMK.

2. From Selvi (Daughter of Dayalu Ammal, married to Murasoli Maran):

Dayanidhi Maran

  • Former Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
  • Senior DMK leader and Member of Parliament.

Kalanithi Maran

  • Founder and chairman of Sun TV Network, one of the largest media networks in India.
  • Owns Sun Pictures, Sun Direct, and stakes in SpiceJet Airlines.

3. From Kanimozhi (Daughter of Rajathi Ammal):

  • Aditya Aravindan
    • Kanimozhi’s son, stays away from politics and media attention.

The Political Influence of the Karunanidhi Family

  • The Karunanidhi family is one of the most powerful political dynasties in Tamil Nadu.
  • Over the years, members of this family have held key positions in the Tamil Nadu government and Indian Parliament.
  • The Stalin vs. Alagiri rivalry led to a split in family politics, with Stalin emerging as Karunanidhi’s successor.
  • The Maran brothers (Dayanidhi and Kalanithi) have extended the family’s influence into media, business, and politics.

Key Highlights:
✔ Served as Tamil Nadu CM for 19 years across five terms (1969–2011).
✔ A strong proponent of social justice, Tamil culture, and Dravidian ideology.
✔ An accomplished screenwriter, poet, and orator, who contributed to Tamil cinema.
✔ Known for infrastructure development, reservation policies, and language reforms.
✔ His family remains influential in Tamil Nadu politics, media, and business.

Key Facts About the Karunanidhi Family:

✔ M. Karunanidhi had three wives and six children.
✔ M.K. Stalin is his political heir and current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
✔ Udhayanidhi Stalin is emerging as the next-generation leader in DMK.
✔ The family controls major businesses, including Sun TV Network and Sun Pictures.
✔ Kanimozhi continues to be a strong voice in Tamil Nadu’s politics.

Karunanidhi was a dominant figure in Tamil Nadu’s political history, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

 

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