Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan expresses condolences on passing OF CPI leader R Nallakannu
Thiruvananthapuram, February 26
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep condolences on the passing of freedom fighter and veteran CPI leader R Nallakannu, who served as the Tamil Nadu State Secretary of the party for many years.
The Chief Minister recalled that Nallakannu was widely respected for his active interventions on various social issues in the state and was a prominent figure in strengthening the farmers' movement in Tamil Nadu, according to the CMO.
Ramasamy Nallakannu, one of the senior-most leaders of the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 101 on Wednesday afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.
According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications. Over 24 days of treatment, his condition fluctuated despite continuous advanced monitoring and intensive care by a multidisciplinary medical team.
However, from the early hours of Wednesday, his response to medication gradually declined, and his condition turned critical. Despite being placed on advanced life support, all his vital organs eventually failed. He was declared dead at around 1:55 pm.
The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and thanked the medical teams involved in his care, along with the Government of Tamil Nadu, for its support.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid an emotional tribute to veteran leader R Nallakannu on Wednesday, calling him an "indomitable comrade" and a "political volcano" whose life would remain a guiding light for generations to come.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Stalin recalled Nallakannu's unwavering spirit despite physical challenges, quoting the late leader's own words: "Even though I lack proper vision in one eye, there is another eye in my heart. That is the good eye."He described Nallakannu as "an uncompromising fighter" and a tireless champion of the working class who endured imprisonment, torture, and immense personal hardship without ever compromising his principles.
In his tribute, Stalin highlighted Nallakannu's close association with former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, fondly remembered as "Muttamil Arignar Kalaignar."
He noted that Nallakannu had stood shoulder to shoulder with Karunanidhi in protests against laws such as POTA, ESA and TESA, and strongly believed that Communist ideology and the Dravidian movement should work together as a "twin-barreled rifle for social change."
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see CMs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu both paying rich tributes. Shows his influence transcended state borders. His idea of the Communist ideology and Dravidian movement working together as a "twin-barreled rifle" is a powerful vision for Tamil Nadu's politics.
Respect for his lifelong commitment. But we must also ask, are we building new leaders of such caliber today? The current political discourse often lacks this depth of ideology and personal sacrifice. His life is a lesson.
"Even though I lack proper vision in one eye, there is another eye in my heart." What a profound statement! It speaks volumes about his character. May his soul rest in peace. We need to teach our children about such stalwarts of our freedom and social justice movements.
Reading about leaders like Nallakannu gives a deep insight into India's rich and complex political history. The connection between the communist movement and Dravidian politics in the South is particularly fascinating. A remarkable life of service.
Salute to a veteran who stood for farmers and the working class till the very end. His work in strengthening the farmers' movement in TN is his lasting legacy. In today's times, his voice against laws like POTA would have been crucial. Om Shanti.
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