Former ‘Murasoli’ Editor Selvam Passes Away at 85

Selvam, aged 85, former editor of the Tamil daily ‘Murasoli’, the official publication of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has passed away. Selvam was notably a nephew of the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi and was married to Karunanidhi’s daughter, Selvi. He was also the younger brother of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran and the brother-in-law of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his condolences, highlighting that Selvam had been a guiding figure for him since his childhood. His contributions to ‘Murasoli’ were significant and continued until recently; on the night of the 9th of October, 2024, he worked on a column for the publication from Bangalore. A journalist with ‘Murasoli’ reported that Selvam discussed the column content and approved a cartoon over the phone.

Selvam, who wrote under the pen name “Silandhi” (meaning spider), has left behind his wife and daughter. His arrest in 1992 was a notable moment of his life when he was forced to stand in the interrogation box during the tenure of Sedapatti Muthaiah as Speaker.

In honor of his legacy and contributions, the DMK has declared that the party flag will be flown at half-mast for three days to mourn his demise.