DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has passed away at 6:10 pm, said a medical bulletin released by Kauvery Hospital in Chennai at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Earlier, party working president M.K. Stalin met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the latter's residence in Chennai.  According to sources in the DMK, Stalin requested a place on the Marina Beach in Chennai for a memorial.

A large number of DMK cadres and supporters have gathered outside the hospital, many of whom have been staying there since Monday evening.

Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be in hospitali due to age-related ailments, and is under "active medical support". (The Hindu)