"Lifelong warrior for farmers, people's rights": TVK chief Vijay mourns passing of veteran CPI leader Nallakannu
Chennai, February 25
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu, saying he was a lifelong advocate for farmers and the rights of the people.
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
Reader Comments
Respectful tribute from Vijay. It's good to see political leaders acknowledging the work of veterans from other ideologies. Nallakannu Ayya's life of service is an inspiration for today's youth in politics.
101 years! What an incredible journey. From freedom fighter to a voice for farmers till the end. We need to document and teach about such stalwarts in our schools. His passing marks the end of an era in Tamil Nadu politics.
While I respect his long service, I do wish his party and the communist ideology had adapted more to current economic realities. The farmer issues he fought for are still unresolved. We need practical solutions, not just ideology.
Om Shanti. A life fully lived for the people. My grandfather used to attend his rallies in the 70s. He said Nallakannu was a powerful orator who connected with the common man. We have lost a genuine people's leader.
As an observer of Indian politics, figures like Nallakannu represent a crucial strand of India's political tapestry—the left movement. His longevity allowed him to witness the entire arc of post-independence India. A remarkable story.
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