PUDUCHERRY: Former Speaker of the Puducherry Assembly P Kannan passed away at a private hospital here after a prolonged illness. He was 74.
In a release, the hospital where he was treated said, Kannan was suffering from viral pneumonia. It was also stated that he had suffering from chronic lung disease for more than half a decade.
Leaders of various political parties condoled the demise of Kannan.
Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in her message said, "The passing away of Kannan has created a void in Puducherry politics." Kannan had distinguished himself in public life. He had contributed a lot to the welfare of the people, she added.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy expressed grief over the death of Kannan and said he had contributed a lot to the welfare of the people and also relieved the youth of the menace of unemployment when he was a Minister in Puducherry. He termed the death of Kannan as an "irreparable loss." The CM conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
P. Kannan held key positions in the Youth Congress, and Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee and went on to become Home Minister of the UT.
After breaking away from the Congress in the 1990s, he joined the Tamil Manila Congress floated by late leader G K Moopanar. Subsequently, he floated a state-level political party called Puducherry Makkal Congress here. He rejoined the Congress in 2009 and became Rajya Sabha MP.
After quitting the Congress he joined the AIADMK in 2021. He joined the BJP and left the party a few months ago.
P. Kannan is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter, family sources said.
Official sources told PTI that the mortal remains of Kannan would be consigned to flames with state honours in the crematorium in neighbouring Karuvadikuppam in the afternoon.