Bengaluru, August 7:  The Central government will give a state funeral to former DMK leader M Karunanidhi on Wednesday. The government has said that the National flag will fly at half-masttoday in Delhi and all state capitals as a mark of respect to - Karunanidhi, who passed away today in Chennai's Kauvery Hospital. "National flag to fly at half-mast tomorrow in Delhi&all state capitals & throughout the state of Tamil Nadu. It has also been decided to accord state funeral tomorrow in Chennai and national mourning has been declared for tomorrow", according to a Government of India release which was issued on Tuesday.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief fondly referred to as 'Kalaignar' breathed his last at 6:10 pm on Tuesday. Karunanidhi's funeral will be held at Marina beach on Wednesday. The Tamil Nadu Government has declared a government holiday on Wednesday. Reports inform that all the schools, colleges and government offices in the state would remain closed as a mark of respect for the veteran leader. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Government has declared a one-day state mourning for Tamil Nadu's Kalaignar.

The DMK in its release said, "Karunanidhi's mortal remains to be taken to his Gopalapuram residence. Family members and relatives can pay their respects between 8.30 p.m and 1 a.m. Following this, Karunanidhi's mortal remains will be kept at his CIT Colony residence between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. At 4 am, his remains will be taken to Rajaji Hall where party cadre, the general public and political leaders can pay their respects".

Following the death of Karunanidhi, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC) suspended its services to Tamil Nadu. It must be noted that KSRTC operates 150-160 schedules during the night to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2018 09:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).