State honours to be accorded for Nallakannu’s funeral, says CM Stalin

State honours will be accorded during the funeral of veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI) R. Nallakannu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Wednesday.

Mr. Nallakannu is the recipient of the Tamil Nadu government’s highest ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ award. In his condolence message, Mr. Stalin said the great life of the veteran leader was his message to the people. “Let it [the life of the veteran CPI leader] be our guiding light. The memory and fame of comrade R. Nallakannu, who lived his life for the proletarians, would remain in the minds of people,” Mr. Stalin said. He extended his deep condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives and those from the CPI party.

Recalling the veteran CPI leader’s association with late leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Mr. Stalin said the veteran leader’s death has left him and others in deep sorrow. “An uncompromising crusader of our times. An eminent personality who spent much of his life for the country’s freedom struggle and for the working class.”

Veteran leader Mr. Nallakannu’s life was on the path laid by late Communist leader Jeeva, Mr. Stalin said, and observed that the CPI leader strongly held his principles at heart but always had a smile on his face. The CPI leader worked along with late leader Karunanidhi on various issues, the CM recalled.

Mr. Stalin also recalled that late leader Karunanidhi had conferred the Ambedkar Award to the CPI leader during the erstwhile DMK government. “It was my honour to present the ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ award to him in the Dravidian model government,” the CM pointed out.

Referring to the personal bond he shared with the CPI leader, Mr. Stalin said that the veteran leader shared a bond with him and welcomed the various welfare programmes of the DMK government. Mr. Stalin also recalled having called on the CPI leader on his birthdays.

“It is a matter of pride that we lived in the time he was. He was a great leader, who handed over any award, prize along with the cash component to the government,” Mr. Stalin underlined. The CM also recalled the words he shared about the CPI leader that he did not differentiate between his life and the Communist movement and always lived for the movement.

Vice President, Governor condole

Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan said he was pained by the death of Mr. Nallakannu, who was a doyen of the Communist movement. He said the CPI veteran dedicated his life to workers’ rights and social justice. He was known for his integrity, simplicity and sacrifice and his death was an irreparable loss.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi condoled the death of Mr. Nallakannu. A social media post of the Lok Bhavan quoted the Governor as saying: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of veteran political leader Thiru R. Nallakannu. He dedicated his life to public service, with a spirit of simplicity and steadfast commitment. His demise leaves a void that will be deeply felt. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti!”

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi. K. Palaniswami said Mr. Nallakannu had enjoyed the affection of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. He also said Mr. Nallakannu interacted with everyone with affection and compassion and led many protests to fulfil the just demands of laborers.

Describing Mr. Nallakannu as a great leader and a noble human being, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said he stood as an unparalleled leader in the Communist movement and as a respected figure admired by all. He also recollected the life of Mr. Nallakannu and the livelihood struggles in which the late leader had participated.

CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam said the death of Mr. Nallakannu was an irreparable loss to the Communist movement. He said the CPI(M) flags will fly at half-mast across Tamil Nadu for three days.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol. Thirumavalavan described him as an epitome of ideological commitment and said his loss cannot be compensated. He urged the Centre to confer ‘Bharat Ratna’ award to Mr. Nallakannu.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai, in his condolence message, said the CPI veteran was a symbol of simplicity and honesty. He championed the rights of the labour class and worked tirelessly for their welfare. He also recalled how Mr. Nallakannu had earned respect from leaders cutting across party lines.

Condoling the death of the CPI veteran, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said Mr. Nallakannu fought to eradicate untouchability and championed the cause of agricultural and industrial labourers.

BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran said Mr. Nallakannu entered politics at a very young age, dedicated his life to the freedom movement and fought for the rights of all sections of society. His public service and dedication will forever hold an indelible place in the hearts of the people and in the State’s history, Mr. Nagenthran added.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said Mr. Nallakannu led his life for the welfare of the downtrodden and set an example. He was a symbol of sacrifice and was respected by leaders across the political spectrum. AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran said Mr. Nallakannu stood as an exemplar in public life for sacrifice, service, integrity, and simplicity and for having dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of oppressed and farmers.

Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan said Mr. Nallakannu had dedicated more than eight decades of his life to public service. He also recollected Mr. Nallakannu’s association with his late father and Congress leader G.K. Moopanar. He said Mr. Nallakannu’s death was an irreparable loss to Tamil Nadu.

Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan said Mr. Nallakannu never thought about having a personal life and dedicated his entire life for the society.

In a post on X, actor Rajinikanth said Mr. Nallakannu stood steadfast in his ideological commitment and his death was an irreparable loss to the people of Tamil Nadu.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay, in his condolence message, said Mr. Nallakannu had spent most of his life fighting for the rights of the people.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader M.H. Jawahirullah, DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant also expressed their condolences on the death of Mr. Nallakannu.

Published – February 25, 2026 07:14 pm IST