Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan want Karunanidhi to be laid to rest at Anna Samadhi

The decision of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu to deny former chief minister M Karunanidhi a burial spot at the Marina Beach, next to his mentor CN Annadurai, has angered scores people across the state, including film personalities.

Top actors from the Tamil film industry like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have urged the state government in their own ways to accede to the request of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the party that Karunanidhi led for over half a century, and allow the mortal remains of the hugely popular leader to be laid to rest at the Marina Beach.

Rajinikanth, on Twitter, said, "I very humbly request that the Tamil Nadu government make all efforts to lay to rest the late leader, the immensely respected Kalaignar, at Anna Samadhi. This will be the most appropriate way to show respect for the great man."

Haasan, whose stern statement gave away the fact that he was displeased with the government's decision to deny a place to the great leader, said, "Anna brought up his two younger brothers, Kalaignar and MGR to protect the (Dravida Munnetra) Kazhagam. Honour lies in keeping the three stalwarts together and showing them respect. It is sad that the greenhorns who joined the party after MGR lack the honour. Had MGR been there today, he would have definitely laid to rest the younger brother next to his elder one."

Several other actors too have expressed anger and displeasure at TN CM Edapaddi Palanisamy's decision to deny Kalaignar a burial place next to his mentor Arignar CN Annadurai.