CHENNAI: Former HR and CE Minister P Chendur Pandian (65) died here at a private hospital on Saturday after prolonged illness. He represented Kadayanallur Assembly constituency in Tirunelveli district. He was admitted to the hospital on January 12 following a heart attack and has been under treatment for the past six months. He is survived by his wife Shanmugathuraichi, two sons and a daughter. Chendur Pandian’s body was taken to his native place Sengottai. Family sources said the final rites would take place on Sunday.
Expressing deep grief over the death of Chendur Pandian, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said, “His demise is an irreparable loss to the party. He had devoted his entire life for party work and had served the party in various capacities. As a mark of respect for the departed soul, all public meetings organised by the party on July 11 stands postponed.”
After he was admitted in the hospital, on January 26, his portfolio was additionally given to Food Minister R Kamaraj, who held on to it till the Cabinet headed by O Panneerselvam resigned on May 22 with Chendur Pandian continuing as a Minister without a portfolio. But after Jayalithaa assumed charge as Chief Minister on May 23, Chendur Pandian’s was dropped from the cabinet owing to his illness.
Senior functionaries of the AIADMK including Finance Minister O Panneerselvam rushed to the hospital and paid homage to the mortal remains of Chendur Pandian. Hailing from an agricultural family, Pandian was member of Kadayanallur municipality between 1986-1991 and Vice Chairman between 1996-2001. A long time member of the AIADMK, he had served the party in various capacities including as chairman of Sengottai Milk Distributors Cooperative Society, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society and TAMPCOL. From July 4, 2011, he was Minister for Khadi and Village Industries. Later, he was put in charge of Tourism and lastly, he was given the HR and CE portfolio.