Murasoli Selvam, former editor of DMK mouthpiece dies at 85

Murasoli Selvam, the brother-in-law of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and former editor of the DMK’s mouthpiece Murasoli, has passed away at the age of 85.
Selvam was married to M Karunanidhi’s daughter, Selvi, and was also the brother of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran. As a significant figure in the DMK, he contributed to the party’s growth through his editorial role in Murasoli.
In a heartfelt note on X, Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote, “today I have lost that last shoulder to lean on – the pillar of principle.”
Arrangements for his final rites are currently underway, with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other senior DMK leaders overseeing the preparations.
The former editor of the Tamil daily Murasoli died of a heart attack on October 10 in Bengaluru. He was 85 years old. Murasoli serves as the official mouthpiece for the DMK in Tamil Nadu.
Known for his pen name Silandhi, Selvam remained actively engaged with Murasoli, having written a column just a day before his death. A colleague reported that he had called to discuss his work and finalise a cartoon for the publication.
Selvam made headlines in 1992 when he became the first editor in Tamil Nadu to be reprimanded at the Bar of the Legislative Assembly for allegedly violating its privileges.
Reflecting on this incident, the Chennai Press Club recalled that then-DMK president M Karunanidhi remarked he felt more joy seeing Selvam at the Bar than on his wedding day.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin said that Selvam took on the crucial role of managing Murasoli, which DMK patriarch Kalaignar Karunanidhi referred to as his ‘first child’. Stalin noted that Selvam’s contributions extended beyond journalism, impacting both cinema and electoral efforts.
“He shaped the ideas of both Kalaignar and Murasoli Maran, serving as a true voice of democracy,” Stalin said.
In his memoir, ‘Murasoli Sila Ninaivugal’ (A Few Memories of Murasoli), Selvam chronicled his experiences with the newspaper, highlighting its role amid political challenges.
Mourning his demise, the DMK has announced that the party’s flag will be flown at half-mast for three days.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.