Murasoli Selvam, Former Editor of DMK Mouthpiece, Passed Away at 85

Murasoli Selvam, the former editor of Tamil Nadu‘s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) newspaper, Murasoli, passed away at the age of 85 after suffering a heart attack in Bengaluru on Thursday, October 10. Selvam was a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and media landscape, known for his editorial leadership at Murasoli, the DMK’s official publication.

Selvam was closely connected to the DMK’s founding family, being the nephew of the late DMK leader M Karunanidhi and married to Karunanidhi’s daughter, Selvi. His familial ties also included his late brother, Murasoli Maran, who served as a former Union Minister. Selvam’s demise has been met with condolences from various political leaders and media organizations.

Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is also Selvam’s brother-in-law, expressed his sorrow, noting Selvam’s influence on his life and career. “He was a guide to me since childhood,” Stalin said, emphasizing Selvam’s role in shaping the DMK’s strategic directions and policies. Stalin described Selvam as “a pillar of principle” and recalled his contributions to the party’s growth.

The Chennai Press Club also conveyed their condolences, highlighting Selvam’s impact on journalism in Tamil Nadu. The organization recalled a significant event in 1992 when Selvam became the first editor in the state’s history to be reprimanded at the Bar of the Legislative Assembly for allegedly contravening the House’s privileges, a decision overseen by the Privileges Committee.

This incident was reflected upon fondly by the late Karunanidhi, who wrote in Murasoli about the pride he felt seeing Selvam maintain his composure during the proceedings, likening it to significant personal milestones.

Throughout his career, Selvam was renowned for the use of his pen name “Silandhi” (meaning spider), under which he continued to engage with readers and influence public discourse as evidenced by his activities until the day before his passing.

In memory of Selvam’s contributions, MK Stalin announced that the DMK’s flag would be flown at half-mast for three days. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, accompanied by other senior DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, is overseeing the arrangements for Selvam’s funeral. The DMK has paid tribute to Selvam for his tireless work in articulating Karunanidhi’s visions through the Murasoli newspaper.

Selvam is survived by his wife, Selvi, and their daughter. His memoir, ‘Murasoli Sila Ninaivugal’, documents his experiences and the challenges the Murasoli newspaper faced under his stewardship. The DMK and Tamil media community remember him as a stalwart who left an indelible mark on journalism and political communication in Tamil Nadu.