Cong's Vasanthakumar first MP to die of COVID-19

Congress MP from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, H Vasanthakumar died of COVID-19 at a hospital in Chennai on Friday, the party said.

The 70-year old first time MP, and working president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, who was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals on August 10 after he tested positive for coronavirus, succumbed to the illness, a party spokesperson told PTI.

Vasanthakumar is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter, he said.

Apollo Hospitals in a statement later said the MP was treated in a critical care unit for severe COVID pneumonia.

'Despite all active medical measures, his condition deteriorated gradually due to COVID complications and he passed away today,' the hospital said.

Vasanthakumar, a two-time MLA (2006-11 and 2016-19) was elected to the Lok Sabha last year.

Born on April 14, 1950, Vasanthakumar Harikrishna Perumal is the brother of Tamil Nadu Congress veteran and noted Tamil litterateur Kumari Ananthan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Congress party leaders Rahul Gandhi, P Chidambaram and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M K Stalin were among those who condoled Vasanthakumar's death.

Modi, on his twitter handle said: 'Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP Shri H Vasanthakumar Ji. His strides in business and social service efforts were noteworthy.

'During my interactions with him, I always saw his passion towards Tamil Nadus progress. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.'

Expressing grief, Palaniswami said, 'Vasanthakumar who started his career as a salesman came up in life through his hardwork. He did excellent service for the educational and economic growth of the poor and earned the love of people in his public life.'

Rahul Gandhi said 'the news of Kanyakumari MP, Shri H Vasanthakumars untimely demise due to Covid-19 has come as a shock

'His commitment to the Congress ideology of serving the people will remain in our hearts forever. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members.'

Expressing shock, Chidambaram and Stalin praised Vasanthakumar for his hardwork.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K S Alagiri, paying rich tributes, said a pillar of the state unit has fallen.

As a mark of respect, Alagiri announced a week-long mourning, and said party flags will fly at half mast and all party events are being cancelled.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, actor Rajinikanth, Pattali Makkal Katchi and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders S Ramadoss and Vaiko were also among those who condoled the death

Vasanthakumar, noted for his smiling face, is a successful entrepreneur.

His smiling image in advertisements for his retail chain that sold consumer durables and electronics is very popular in Tamil Nadu.