Chennai: A senior DMK functionary and former minister Veerapandi Arumugam’s son Veerapandi A Raja died of heart attack at his house in Salem on Saturday morning. He was 58.
According to a report in the Times of India, Raja was taken to a private hospital in Salem where doctors had declared that he was brought dead. His death has come as a shock to his supporters as they were planning to celebrate his 58th birthday on Saturday. Raja’s father Veerapandi Arumugam died on November 23, 2012.
Meanwhile, DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed grief over the death of the party functionary.
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In a statement, the Chief Minister said that Raja along with his late father had served the party in Salem region like a warrior and his death was not a single man’s death, a pillar has fallen according to the report.
Explaining that Raja would continue to live in the minds of the party cadres, he expressed his deepest condolences to Raja’s family members and party cadres, the report said.
According to the report, Raja held several key positions including youth wing district organizer and district secretary in the party. At present, he was the party’s election working committee. He served as an MLA in Veerapandi assembly constituency between 2006 and 11.
Quoting Stalin, the report said that Raja would attract every one by his soft nature and he would complete tasks within the given time. Recalling his recent meeting with Raja during his visit to Salem on Wednesday, Stalin said that he doesn’t know how to console his family.