Chennai, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid rich tributes to CPI veteran and freedom fighter R Nallakannu, saying the latter would be remembered for his connection with ordinary people and his efforts to give a voice to the underprivileged, workers, and farmers.
In a post on the social media platform 'X', the Prime Minister said Nallakannu was "widely respected by people from every section of society. His simplicity was also noteworthy. My thoughts are with his family and admirers."
Condolences poured in from many leaders, expressing their grief.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said Nallakannu was a "warrior who dedicated his entire life to the cause of workers' rights, social justice, and the upliftment of the oppressed... his life of struggle, filled with sacrifices, will forever remain etched in people's hearts."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Comrade Nallakannu's life was a rare example of integrity, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to the poor and the marginalised.
"For nearly nine decades, he stood firmly for justice and dignity. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and countless admirers," Gandhi said on 'X.'
Union Minister L Murugan, BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran, TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, and Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman were also among the leaders who condoled the death.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, his deputy Udhayanidhi, actor-politician Vijay, and a host of other leaders paid homage to the mortal remains of centenarian CPI leader Nallakannu, who died here on Wednesday.
His body was brought in a procession from the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where he breathed his last at the age of 101, and kept at the CPI party office, Balan Illam, in T Nagar, for party members and the public to pay their respects.
The veteran leader and freedom fighter died due to age-related ailments. A bulletin from the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital said that despite intensive care, Nallakannu passed away at 1:55 PM on February 25, 2026, following the failure of all vital organs.
The bulletin also stated that Nallakannu had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on February 1 following illness.
The Chief Minister and Udhayanidhi paid their last respects, and later consoled the bereaved family and party members.
Vijay, who heads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, accompanied by his party leaders, visited Balan Illam and paid floral tributes to Nallakannu's mortal remains.
CPI general secretary D Raja, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, and many other leaders also paid their homage.
The CPI has announced a week-long mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader, and the party flag was flown at half-mast.
The mortal remains will be handed over to the Madras Medical College for research, as per Nallakannu's wish.
