Early this morning, Tamil Nadu's political scene was rocked by the news of A Ganeshamurthi's passing, the Member of Parliament representing Erode and a prominent figure within the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
The 76-year-old leader breathed his last at a private hospital in Coimbatore, as confirmed by a police officer speaking to NDTV. Ganeshamurthi's health had been a cause for concern since Sunday when he was urgently admitted to a hospital in Erode in critical condition before being transferred to Coimbatore.
According to reports, Ganeshamurthi was placed on ECHO support, indicating the severity of his condition. Speculations arose regarding the circumstances leading to his hospitalization, with authorities suspecting a possible suicide attempt.
The MDMK, in a statement, disclosed that medical experts had cautioned about the precariousness of Ganeshamurthi's health. Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned the imminent arrival of Vaiko, the founder of MDMK, to Coimbatore, aiming to provide support to the grieving members of the party.
Ganeshamurthi, a stalwart in Tamil Nadu politics, had a distinguished career, serving as a Member of Parliament thrice. His was affiliated with MDMK and was particularly known for his imprisonment under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), alongside party founder Vaiko.
Recent developments within the MDMK hinted at a shift in leadership dynamics, with the decision to field Durai, Vaiko's son, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Vaiko, in a statement, elucidated on the party's decision-making process, indicating plans to reward Ganeshamurthi with a significant role in the party's future endeavors.
Discussions regarding potential electoral strategies were underway, reflecting the party's intent to honor Ganeshamurthi's legacy and contributions to Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
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