C Velayuthan, the BJP's first MLA in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, died in his home constituency Kanniyakumari on Wednesday, the party said. He was 73.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president JP Nadda condoled Velayuthan's death.
In a message on It is people like him who built our party in Tamil Nadu and explained our development agenda to the people. He will also be remembered for his concern for the poor and oppressed. Recalling the late leader's efforts and dedication to the party and society, BJP president JP Nadda said it will always be remembered. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai hailed Velayuthan as a pioneer of the party in the state who worked hard and “sowed the seeds of confidence for the growth of the party in Tamil Nadu”.
In a message on 'X', he condoled the death of Velayuthan and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. Several other BJP leaders, including Union Minister L Murugan, condoled Velayuthan's death and fondly remembered him as their party's first MLA in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Velayuthan's victory in the 1996 Assembly elections was remarkable not only because the saffron party opened its account in Parliament on its own, but also because the DMK-led alliance swept the polls and decimated the AIADMK.
Velayuthan was elected from Padmanabhapuram Assembly constituency in Kanniyakumari district, where the party has several areas of influence and cadre strength. In 1996, Velayuthan defeated his nearest rival Bala Janathipathy of the DMK and won by a margin of 4,540 votes. He was associated with Sevabharathi, an RSS-affiliated social service organization, and participated in the anti-distress movement from 1975 to 1977.
Unlock a world of benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time inventory tracking, breaking news and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! Log in now!
View all political news and updates on DailyExertNews. Download the Mint News app for daily market updates and live business news.
. or less
Published: May 8, 2024 8:44 PM IST