Stalin condoles ex-MP Ramanathan’s death

A resident of Karuppannagounder Street in Coimbatore, Ramanathan was 84 and is survived by his wife and three sons Panneer Selvam, Ilangovan and Selvaraj. 

Party sources said Ramanathan developed some respiratory trouble and subsequently died around 12.30 am. Ramanathan represented Coimbatore West Assembly constituency in 1984 and was also a member of the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996.  

Following his demise, DMK leader MK Stalin and other senior leaders of the party, including TR Balu and A Raja paid their last respects. Stalin came down to Coimbatore around 1.30 pm and took part in the final procession. The body of Ramanathan was cremated in the crematorium at Athupalam in Ukkadam. 

Speaking to reporters, Stalin said that the contributions of the former MP will be etched in the history of the party. “He played a crucial role during protests like MISA and against Hindi imposition, His role in the party is irreplaceable,” he said. 

Stalin also credited Ramanathan as one of the best speakers in the party. “He is associated with DMK for 70 years and had served as MP, MLA and member of the executive. I express my deepest condolences to his family members,” he said.