CHENNAI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has wished DMK chief M Karunanidhi good health and long life ahead of his 94th birthday on June 3.
Hailing Karunanidhi as one of the tallest among contemporary political leaders, she said it was not an easy task to remain at the helm of a political party for 48 continous years.
"It is quite possible that it is a record in politics in any democratic country," she said in her message a copy of which was released today by DMK.
Stating that she aware that the nonagenarian leader has not been keeping good health in the last few months, she said she had often enquired about his health and wished him good health and a long life.
"Today, I join the hundreds of thousands of admirers and followers to greet Thiru Karunanidhi on his birthday and wish him the greatest gift of good health," she said.
Thanking him, she said he had given crucial support to Congress party in 1971, 1980, 2004 and 2009 elections.
Although there were many opportunities for him to play a role at the Centre, he remained devoted to Tamil Nadu and Tamil people.
Recalling Karunanidhi's long career in politics and DMK, she said he as a Chief Minister he was an able administrator who took quick decisions.
As a Leader of Opposition, he was a formidable adversary who kept the governmetn on its toes with his mastery over facts, brilliant arguments and sharp wit. Since 1969, he has been one of the two poles that defined Tamil Nadu politics, she said.
She praised him for his multi-faceted personality as a journalist, novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, script writer, actor, producer of films and an acknowledged Tamil scholar.
DMK is gearing up for a big ticket event on June 3 to celebrate Karunanidhi's birthday and 60 years of his legislative career here.
Top leaders including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav are among those who are expected to participate.