Freedom fighter and veteran CPI(M) leader N Sankaraiah (102) passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Wednesday (November 15). He was under treatment for fever and cold complications at Apollo Hospital. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin paid his last respects at the hospital. The funeral will also be held with full state honours. Sankaraiah is survived by his two sons.
Late N Sankaraiah's mortal remains will be kept at the CPI(M) Office and later taken to his residence.
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In a career spanning over seven decades, Sankaraiah was in prison for eight years from 1941 and was released a day before India attained Independence in August 1947.
N Sakaraiah is one of the founding members of the Communist Party Of India (Marxist) and he has served as a MLA in Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1967, 1977 and 1980.
Sankaraiah was also CPI(M) Tamil Nadu secretary from 1995 to 2002.
Taking to X, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, "Com. N Sankaraiah, Lal Salam✊With deep grief, we learn of the demise of Com. N Sankaraiah, one of the founders of India’s Communist movement. As a dedicated Marxist-Leninist, he devoted his life to India’s socialist transformation. Deepfelt condolences to his family and comrades."
The official handle of CPI (M), @cpimspeak said, "Our beloved comrade Sankaraiah passed away today morning. A veteran leader, freedom fighter, and one of the founder members of the CPI(M), comrade Sankaraiah died at 102. We feel deeply saddened. Comrade N. Sankaraiah Amar Rahe!"