Murasoli Maran, a stalwart of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics, left an indelible mark on the state's political landscape. His contributions to the DMK and his role in shaping the party's ideology are still remembered with great reverence.
Born on August 17, 1934, in Thirukkuvalai Village, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, Maran was the elder brother of former Union Minister M. Karunanidhi. His maternal uncle and mentor, Karunanidhi, played a significant role in shaping Maran's political career and instilling in him the values of the DMK.
Maran's entry into politics was marked by his involvement with the DMK from a young age. He was closely associated with the party during his student days in Madras and later became a key figure in its organizational structure. His journalistic career also played a crucial role in his political journey, as he edited several newspapers and magazines, including *Murasoli*, the DMK's official mouthpiece.
Maran's contributions to the DMK were multifaceted. He served as a Member of Parliament for 36 years, holding various portfolios including Urban Development, Industry, and Commerce and Industry. His tenure as a Union Minister saw significant contributions to the development of Tamil Nadu and the nation at large.
One of the most notable incidents in Maran's career was the arrest of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 2001. The arrest, which was widely condemned by political leaders and human rights groups, highlighted the controversial nature of the charges against Karunanidhi and the manner in which they were handled by the authorities.
The controversy surrounding Karunanidhi's arrest was deeply intertwined with the construction of flyovers in Chennai. The arrest of Karunanidhi, along with Union Ministers Murasoli Maran and T. R. Baalu, was based on a complaint lodged by the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. C. T. Acharyalu. The court later found several faults with the police's handling of the situation, including a hasty complaint and lack of investigation.
Despite these challenges, Maran remained committed to his political ideals and continued to serve the DMK with dedication. His legacy extends beyond his political career; he was also a journalist and scriptwriter who contributed significantly to Tamil literature and cinema.
Murasoli Maran passed away on November 23, 2003, at the age of 69. His funeral was attended by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other prominent leaders. His family continues to be involved in politics, with his son Dayanidhi Maran serving as a former Union Minister and his daughter Anbukarasi Maran being a cardiologist.
In recent news, the Chennai Corporation has invited fresh e-tenders to transform Murasoli Maran Park into a STEM park, valued at 5.54 crore. This initiative reflects the continued recognition of Maran's contributions to the development of Tamil Nadu.
The passing of Murasoli Selvam, the former editor of *Murasoli*, has also been noted recently. Selvam was a nephew of late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi and the younger brother of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran. His dedication to *Murasoli* and his active involvement in its editorial process until his last days are a testament to his enduring commitment to the DMK's ideology.
In conclusion, Murasoli Maran's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of dedicated individuals on the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the DMK and his role in shaping the state's development continue to inspire future generations.
