CPI Veteran R. Nallakannu Passes Away at 101

Veteran Communist leader R. Nallakannu passed away in Chennai at the age of 101 following multi-organ failure. The senior leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI) breathed his last at 1.55 pm at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where he had been undergoing intensive treatment since early February. His demise marks the end of a century-long life dedicated to public service and ideological commitment.

Final Days and Medical Treatment

Nallakannu was admitted to the intensive care unit on February 1 after experiencing health complications. A multidisciplinary team of doctors monitored his condition closely. He was placed on life support as his health deteriorated over the past few days.

According to hospital authorities, he was unable to respond positively to treatment, and his condition worsened significantly before his passing. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and civil society members across Tamil Nadu.

Decades of Political Commitment

R. Nallakannu was one of the most respected faces of the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu. Known for his simplicity, integrity and grassroots activism, he remained closely connected to farmers, labourers and marginalised communities throughout his career.

As a senior leader of the Communist Party of India, he played a key role in strengthening the party’s organisational base in the state. His political life spanned pre- and post-Independence India, reflecting a rare continuity of ideological engagement over several generations.

Legacy of Simplicity and Public Service

Nallakannu was widely admired for his austere lifestyle and unwavering commitment to public causes. Even in advanced age, he continued to engage with social issues and public debates. Many contemporaries described him as a rare example of probity in public life.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Communist Party of India (CPI) was founded in 1925.
• Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital is one of the oldest public hospitals in India, located in Chennai.
• Communist movements in India have historically focused on agrarian reforms and labour rights.
• Tamil Nadu has had a significant Left presence despite Dravidian party dominance.

End of an Era in Tamil Nadu Politics

With the passing of R. Nallakannu, Tamil Nadu loses a veteran statesman who symbolised discipline, ideological conviction and service-oriented politics. His life stands as a testament to enduring political commitment and the evolution of Left movements in independent India.