Thousands take part in funeral procession of Thirumahan Everaa

COIMBATORE: The body of E Thirumahan Everaa, the Congress MLA from Erode East Assembly constituency, was cremated in Karungalpalayam in Erode on Thursday.

Thousands of people, cutting across party lines took part in the funeral procession from his residence in Cutchery Street to the crematorium in Karungalpalayam. He died of cardiac arrest on Wednesday.

Minister for Information and Publicity MP Swaminathan, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president (TNCC) KS Alagiri, past presidents KV Thangkabalu, Su Thirunavukkarasar, MP Karti P Chidambaram, Tamil Maanila Congress leader GK Vasan and Assembly Speaker M Appavu paid their respects to the remains of the MLA at his residence.

On Wednesday night, Chief Minister MK Stalin paid condolences and consoled the MLA’s father and former Congress leader EVKS Elangovan and his family members. The body, which was taken on a procession, was consigned to flames in the presence of MPs, MLAs and other party functionaries. Shops along the procession route downed shutters in a mark of respect. Everaa, the great grandson of Dravidar Kazhagam party founder Periyar EV Ramasamy is survived by his wife and daughter.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, when asked about a by-poll for Erode Constituency, said the Assembly has to announce the vacancy. Once it’s done, it would be communicated to the EC to get its nod to conduct the poll in six months time.