CHENNAI, JUNE 3. Leaders of several political parties today showered praise on the DMK president, M. Karunanidhi, for his contribution to Indian politics and society. Highlighting his multifarious achievements, they said he was a model worthy of emulation.

The former Prime Minister V.P. Singh; the Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil; the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, A. Narendra; the All-India Congress Committee general secretary, Vayalar Ravi; the Pattali Makkal Katchi founder, S. Ramadoss; the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president, G.K. Vasan; the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, Vaiko; the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), N. Varadarajan, and the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India, R. Nallakannu, spoke at length on Mr. Karunanidhi’s role in public life during the last six decades.

Mr. Narendra expressed confidence that Mr. Karunanidhi would support the demand for a Telangana State. Khader Moideen, MP, demanded that Mr. Karunanidhi be conferred Bharat Ratna for his contribution to society and literature.

Mr. Ravi said he and Mr. Patil were special messengers from the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi. This showed the importance the Congress attached to the DMK and its leader, he said.

Earlier, thousands of DMK men and leaders of many other political parties called on Mr. Karunanidhi.

Many leaders, including the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh; the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L.K. Advani; the former Union Minister, S. Thirunavakkarasar, and the Communist Party of India secretary, D. Raja, telephoned him to convey their wishes.

Dr. Singh said his commitments in view of the commencement of the first session of the 14th Lok Sabha held him back in New Delhi. “Needless to add that my thoughts are with you on this joyous occasion,” he said.

“Your political journey of over six decades has indeed largely shaped the destiny of Tamil Nadu from its nascent days. You, drawing inspiration from the late revered C.N. Annadurai and other towering personalities of the Dravidian movement, could imbibe the best of their original thoughts and marry them with national aspirations. Your contribution to the development of Tamil language has impressed me to a great extent and this has endeared you to the millions of Tamil-speaking people all over the world.”

The Prime Minister’s message further said: “Your political sagacity, administrative acumen and inner strength to feel the pulse of the people have left an imprint on our political landscape and future generations of political leaders will be inspired by your example. I send you my best wishes for sustained good health and many more years of service to the nation.”

The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in a message, extended his congratulations. “I wish you many more years in the service of the nation.”

Mr. Shivraj Patil, who called on Mr. Karunanidhi, at the DMK headquarters here, agreed to a suggestion that the fact that a number of leaders came calling was indicative of the respect for Mr. Karunanidhi. “He is one of the seniormost leaders in the country and his sagacity, experience and his understanding of the issues and the problems faced by the country are going to be helpful to everybody.”

Asked whether he carried a message from Ms. Gandhi, Mr. Patil said: “Best wishes, congratulations and greetings.”

Mr. V.P. Singh said Mr. Karunanidhi’s contributions to the people and the country were exemplary. “He is not only one of the seniormost politicians but stands among the tallest politicians in the country. We wish him long years, fruitful years and very happy years in future.”

Mr. Singh took note the role the DMK chief played in bringing about a change of government at the Centre.

Leaders of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance, including Mr. Vasan, Dr. Ramadoss, Mr. Vaiko and some Union Ministers from Tamil Nadu called on Mr. Karunanidhi.