‘Shocked and pained’: Tamil Nadu CM condoles death of MDMK’s Erode MP Ganeshamurthi

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Erode MP and senior Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader A Ganeshamurthi, who died in a Coimbatore hospital early this morning.

In his condolence message, the Tamil Nadu CM said that losing Ganeshamurthi was painful for him. “I was shocked and in pain after knowing the news of Ganeshamurthi’s demise. He started his political career in the DMK and worked well. Later, he joined Vaiko. Losing Ganeshamurthi is painful and can’t be expressed. Condolences to his family, friends and MDMK cadres”, Stalin said.

Doctors at Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital (KMCH ) declared him dead at 5.05 am today and the body was sent to the government hospital at Perundurai in Erode for postmortem examination. Ganeshamurthi allegedly attempted to take his life on March 24 at his residence in Periyar Nagar, Erode. He was rushed to a local private hospital, where he received initial treatment. Later, he was transferred to Coimbatore, where he passed away.

Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy, Modakurichi MLA C Saraswathi, former minister KV Ramalingam and MDMK general secretary Vaiko were among those who visited him in the hospital.

Ganeshamurthi, a three-time MP from the Erode constituency, was a senior functionary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). He contested from the Erode parliamentary constituency on the DMK’s rising sun symbol in the 2019 general elections.

Sad to hear about the passing of Erode Lok Sabha Member Thiru. #GaneshaMurthy. His sudden heart attack highlights the fragility of life. His victories in the 2009 & 2019 elections with MDMK showcased his dedication to public . Condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/XFS2PFM0qd

— Manickam Tagore .Bமாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) March 28, 2024

For the upcoming general elections, the MDMK and DMK decided to field Durai Vaiko, the son of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, as the party’s candidate.

MDMK party founder Vaiko, who rushed to Coimbatore, said, “He was happy with the seat (party ticket) issue. He met me twice. We never expected him to make such a decision. He was in a good mood. I cannot believe that he took such a step and passed away. We pay our deep homage.”

In 1984, he was made the Erode district secretary of the DMK and was elected on DMK ticket from Modakuruchchi Assembly segment in 1989. He joined MDMK led by Vaiko after the parent party split in the early 1990s.

Elected to the Lok Sabha twice on MDMK ticket, first from Palani in 1998 and then from Erode Parliamentary constituency in 2009, Ganeshamurthi had participated in various party agitations and had gone to prison. (ANI)