Veteran CPI Leader Nallakannu, 101, Passes Away; Actor Vijay Mourns "Lifelong Warrior"

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.

In a post shared on X, Vijay wrote, "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Comrade Ayya IR. Nallakannu, a freedom fighter, senior leader of the Communist Party of India, and a lifelong warrior who dedicated much of his life to the cause of farmers and the rights of the people."

He also conveyed his condolences to the veteran leader's family and relatives, describing his loss as "irreplaceable" for the nation and comrades of the communist movement.

"His loss is an irreplaceable one for this nation and for the comrades of the communist movement. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and relatives who mourn his departure. I pray to the divine that the soul of the departed Comrade Ayya IR. Nallakannu attains eternal peace," Vijay further wrote.

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.

- ANI