Politics – Veteran CPI Leader R Nallakannu to Be Honoured with State Funeral
Politics – Tamil Nadu political tribute ceremony and body donation for medical education – The passing of senior Communist Party of India leader R. Nallakannu has drawn widespread tributes across the political spectrum, as the State prepares to bid farewell with full honours before donating his body for medical research in keeping with his final wish.
State to Accord Full Honours Before Body Donation
R. Nallakannu, a towering figure in Tamil Nadu politics, died in Chennai on Wednesday at the age of 101. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced that the government would conduct his last rites with full State honours, recognising what he described as a lifetime dedicated to public service and sacrifice.
According to the Chief Minister, the veteran leader’s commitment to social justice and grassroots activism earned him respect far beyond party lines. The government will oversee the ceremonial honours before his mortal remains are handed over to a medical institution, fulfilling his long-standing desire to contribute to medical education even after death.
Final Journey to Support Medical Education
In line with his expressed wish, Nallakannu’s body will be donated to the Chennai Medical College Hospital on Thursday. Party members confirmed that he had consistently advocated body donation to advance learning in the medical field.
His remains have been placed at Balan House, the CPI office in Thyagaraya Nagar, where members of the public and political leaders have been paying their respects. The body will remain there until 3 p.m., after which a procession will be taken out by party cadres before it is formally handed over to the hospital authorities.
Hospitalisation and Passing
Nallakannu had been receiving treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital since February 1. He was admitted due to complications linked to advanced age. Doctors attending to him said his health declined sharply in the last two days, with his vital organs gradually failing to respond to treatment.
Despite being under close medical supervision, he passed away at 1.55 p.m. on Wednesday due to multiple organ failure, hospital sources confirmed.
Leaders Across Parties Offer Tributes
Condolences poured in from across India’s political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the veteran leader’s demise, noting that Nallakannu commanded admiration across ideological divides and had devoted his life to serving society.
Senior leaders from various parties visited to offer floral tributes. Among them were Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. Representatives from the Congress, BJP, PMK, VCK and other regional parties also paid homage, underscoring the broad respect he commanded.
Film Personalities Remember a Life of Simplicity
Prominent figures from the Tamil film industry also remembered Nallakannu as a symbol of integrity and ideological conviction. Actors including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were among those who conveyed condolences, recalling his simplicity and steadfast dedication to public causes.
Other actors and filmmakers joined in acknowledging his contribution to public life, describing him as a leader who remained grounded despite decades in politics.
A Century of Public Service
Over a political career spanning several decades, Nallakannu became closely associated with grassroots movements and farmers’ issues in Tamil Nadu. Known for his austere lifestyle and firm ideological stance, he remained active in public discourse even in his later years.
As the State prepares to accord him its highest honours, many supporters view his decision to donate his body as a final act consistent with the principles he upheld throughout his life — service, humility and commitment to the greater good.