Conceding defeat without waiting for the final tally, Karunanidhi submitted the resignation of his council of ministers as trends showed that the AIADMK-led front was poised for a landslide win.
Governor S S Barnala accepted the resignation of Karunanidhi and his council of ministers (with effect) from this afternoon, a Raj Bhavan communique said.
Accepting the resignation, Barnala has asked the 87 year-old leader and his colleagues to continue functioning in the present capacity as he appreciated the advice and co-operation offered by the DMK president.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the advice and co-operation offered to me by you throughout our association," Barnala said in a letter to Karunanidhi.
"I would also like to say that I have greatly appreciated the personal courtesy extended to me, at all times", he said in the letter.