Born in Thirukkuvalai village in Nagapattinam district

Joins Tamil Manavar Mandram, a student organisation, at the age of 14

C N Annadurai launches Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949, Karunanidhi joins DMK

First win in Assembly election from Kulithalai on his first attempt

Karunanidhi becomes DMK treasurer

Wins from Thanjavur; becomes deputy opposition leader

Takes charge as minister of public works department

Karunanidhi takes the mantle of DMK following Annadurai's death; becomes yougest chief miniter of Tamil Nadu

Karunanidhi again wins from Saidapet

Anna Nagar MLA

Serves as CM of Tamil Nadu

Resigns from Assembly blaming state government for not giving proper attention to Sri Lankan issue

Did not contest election as he was member of legislative council

Karunanidhi becomes sole elected legislator of DMK. He resigns later.

1989, ’91

Karunanidhi wins from Harbour

1996, 2001, 2006

Karunanidhi wins from Chepauk

2011, 2016

Karunanidhi wins from Thiruvarur

Karunanidhi has not tasted defeat in any election he contested

Karunanidhi was arrested in Chennai flyover case. Then CM J Jayalalithaa was widely criticized for this move.

Karunanidhi again sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM

Kalaignar completes 49 years as head of DMK

Muthuvel Karunanidhi passes away