Doraikkannu laid to rest: VP, PM, state leaders condole demise

Modi also expressed sadness at the 72-year-old Minister’s demise. In Chennai, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Ministers on Sunday paid homage to the deceased Minster. “Doraikkannu was a staunch party man and stood by the principles of the party whenever the party faced troubles. He had participated in several protests for the party and had gone to prison. His death is a huge loss for the party,” said Chief Minister, in a statement. Along with Chief Minister, state Ministers Sellur K Raju, R Kamaraj, RB Udhayakumar and C Vijaya Baskar went to Kauvery Hospital where he was admitted and paid floral respects to him.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, “We all expected that Doraikkannu will recover from the lung ailment and will be back to work. Even a special medial team was appointed for his treatment yet he could not be saved.”

Meanwhile, the body of Doraikkannu was laid to rest with state honours at his native place in Thanjavur district on Sunday. The funeral of the late leader took place at his coconut farm located at Vanniyadi village that is a kilometre away from his home in Rajagiri near Papanasam.

Politicians from other parties, including PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, VCK MP Ravikumar, NTK leader Seeman, AISMK leader R Sarath Kumar, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan, also paid respect. As part of state honours flags were flown at half-mast on Sunday.

Speaking about Doraikkannu, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Secretary, Agriculture Department, said “The Minister used to respect every single official in the department irrespective of their ranks and position and was much kind hearted.”