Chennai, Nov 15 (UNI): Veteran Marxist Communist stalwart N.Sankaraiah, who dedicated his life to the welfare of the oppressed and working classes, died here on Wednesday. He was 102 years old.
Sankaiarah was admitted to a private hospital a couple of days back due to breathing problems. He died on Wednesday morning. The veteran leader, who had served both in CPI and later joined CPI(M), was a freedom fighter and was elected as MLA to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin recalled his contributions and said the last rites of Mr Sankaraiah will be held with full state honours as a fitting farewell in recognition of his contributions to the state as a freedom fighter, MLA and political party leader.
In his condolence message, he recalled that Mr Sankaraiah joined the freedom movement at a very young age and has fought for the rights of the oppressed sections and the working class all through his life. He was also imprisoned on several occasions during the freedom struggle.
Stalin also regretted that the state government could not confer him with a doctorate degree recently due to a political conspiracy by some people with a narrow mindset.
Stalin was referring to Governor R.N.Ravi not according to sanction for the government’s decision to confer him with a doctorate by a state-run University for which the Governor is the Chancellor.
Stalin said the death of Sankaraiah was a big loss to the communist movement and offered his condolences to the bereaved family members and party cadres.
Leaders of various political parties also condoled his death.
