CHENNAI: In a final act of service to humanity, the mortal remains of Tamil Nadu’s revered CPI leader R. Nallakannu will be donated to Chennai Medical College Hospital on Thursday, fulfilling his lifelong wish for medical education. The 101-year-old freedom fighter and communist icon passed away in Chennai on Wednesday due to multi-organ failure.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the state government will accord full state honors before the body is handed over. ‘Nallakannu’s life was dedicated to sacrifice and public service. Tamil Nadu will bid him farewell with the highest honors,’ Stalin stated.
His body is currently at the CPI office ‘Balam House’ in Thyagaraya Nagar for public viewing until 3 PM. Party workers will then lead a procession to the medical college.
Admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on February 1 for age-related ailments, Nallakannu’s condition deteriorated rapidly over the last two days despite intensive care.
Leaders across the political spectrum paid heartfelt tributes. CM Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin were the first to offer floral tributes. AIADMK’s D. Jayakumar, former CM O. Panneerselvam, Congress state president K. Selvaperunthagai, PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss, TVK president Vijay, BJP leader L. Murugan, VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan, and NTK’s Seeman also paid their respects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Nallakannu as a leader respected beyond social and political boundaries, who lived his life for others. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami hailed his rare integrity and moral strength.
Film stars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Nassar, Satyaraj, Vijay Sethupathi, and Sivakarthikeyan remembered him as a symbol of simplicity, ideological commitment, and public service.
Nallakannu’s legacy as a lifelong communist warrior, freedom fighter, and humanitarian continues to inspire generations in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.