Following the death of veteran DMK leader K Anbhazhagan, who passed away in Chennai on Saturday, 7 March, after a brief illness, party flags will fly at half mast for seven days.
In a statement, party chief MK Stalin condoled the death of the seniormost DMK leader and said that all DMK programmes had been postponed for a week as the party mourned his demise.
Anbhazhagan, a close friend of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi, had been unwell for some time due to age-related ailments. A nine-time MLA, Anbhazhagan was the party's general secretary for 43 years but had been staying away from active politics for some time due to his illness.
People Pay Respects to Anbhazhagan
Anbhazhagan's remains were taken to his residence in the city, where it was kept for public viewing, The Indian Express reported.
Stalin, DMK MP Kanimozhi and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko visited Kilapuk and paid their respects to the leader at his residence. Actor turned politician Rajinikanth also visited the Anbazhagan’s residence in Kilpauk where he paid his repects, The Indian Express reported.
Condolences Pour in
Stalin also took to Twitter to pen an emotional letter to the late leader, whom he addressed as ‘periyappa’ or uncle, saying, “Now, after the demise of periyappa, who will I look up to for advice, how do I comfort myself?”
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran also offered his condolences on Twitter, writing, “100-year-politician! The one who protected the Tamilians! The lighthouse of the cadre! You are not dead. You are still living with us.”
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan also condoled Anbazhagan’s death saying, “The loss of the professor, Anbhagan, who was the last leader of Tamil Nadu, the epitome of Dravidian thought, and who remained firm in the movement, is extrememly painful. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan expressed his grief and offered his condolences to the late leader’s family, as well as party volunteers and leaders.
Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu also took to Twitter to express his sadness at the leader’s death.
Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram also took to Twitter to extend his condolences.
“My deepest condolences on the demise of Mr. Thiru Anbalakan, Senior President of the DMU and 47 years General Secretary,” he wrote.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami condoled the demise of Anbazhagan, calling it a big loss for the state and extended his condolences to the family members.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, K S Alagiri, VCK leader Thirumavalavan and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth also expressed their condolences.
Anbazhagan’s last rites are scheduled to be performed at 4.45pm at Velankadu crematorium near Kilpauk, The Times of India reported.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and The Times of India.)
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