In the wake of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Chief M Karunanidhi's demise, former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi penned an emotional note to Kalaignar's son and DMK working president, MK Stalin, hailing the former as her "father figure." "For me, Kalaignar's loss is very personal. He always showed me great kindness and consideration, which I can never forget. He was like a father figure to me," the letter read.

Reminiscing Karunanidhi's political career and his fight for social justice, Sonia highlighted how the DMK patriarch stood for the well-being of every citizen, especially the poorest and most marginalised. "He was also a brilliant literary figure who did so much to promote Tamil Nadu's rich and distinctive culture and arts, and brought worldwide recognition for it. His decades at the helm of Tamil Nadu's government and politics have left a superb and enduring legacy, for which he will forever be honoured and remembered. I believe he had full confidence that you would nurture and take forward this legacy" the letter read.