NAMAKKAL/CHENNAI: DMK MLA from Senthamangalam (ST) constituency K Ponnusamy passed away in the early hours of Thursday following a cardio-pulmonary arrest. He was 74.
According to reports, Ponnusamy suffered a heart attack at his residence in Karavalli village, Kolli Hills, Namakkal, early in the morning. He was initially taken to the Kolli Hills Government Hospital for first aid and later shifted to a private hospital in Namakkal around 7 am.
Despite the doctors’ efforts, he was declared dead at 7.30 am. The hospital confirmed cardio-pulmonary arrest as the cause of death. The veteran legislator had suffered two heart attacks previously and had been under medical supervision for cardiac issues.
Ponnusamy was born on May 8, 1951, in Karavalli village, Kolli Hills. He focused on tribal welfare, rural development, and addressing the challenges of remote hill communities. He contested four consecutive elections from Senthamangalam under the DMK, first winning as MLA in 2006, losing in 2011 and 2016, and making a successful comeback in 2021, defeating AIADMK candidate S Chandran by a margin of 10,493 votes.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep grief over the passing of Ponnusamy, noting that he had worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Senthamangalam, particularly the tribal communities. He highlighted Ponnusamy’s dedication to public service and his role as deputy secretary of the DMK’s Namakkal East District, saying,
“As the Namakkal East District deputy secretary he worked for the development of the party and also strived for betterment of the Scheduled Tribe people. His loss will be deeply felt by the DMK and the residents of the Kolli Hills region.”The CM also expressed his condolences to the people of Senthamangalam, his family, relatives, friends, and DMK colleagues who stood by him in his political journey.
The body of Ponnusamy was placed for public viewing at Puliyangadu village, Nadukombai Panchayat, Senthamangalam constituency.
Governor RN Ravi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Ponnusamy. Ravi said, “He will be remembered for his contribution to public service and social welfare. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Speaker M Appavu, in his condolence message, said the news of the MLA’s demise was shocking. “He had served in the Assembly earlier during 2006-2011 as well as in the current term. He always expressed his views in the House both firmly and courteously.”
DMK youth wing secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin went to his village of Puliyangadu at the foothills of Kollimalai in Namakkal to pay his last respects to the departed soul. In his condolence message, Udhayanidhi said, “He had great respect for DMK leaders Kalaignar Karunanidhi and M K Stalin. Personally, he cared for me. His loss is an irreplaceable loss to the party.”
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai and CPI state secretary M Veerapandian also expressed their condolences.
Several leaders and officials paid their respects including ministers A V Velu, Anbil Mahesh, R Rajendran, S S Sivasankar, MPs T M Selvaganapathy, K R N Rajesh Kumar, S Matheswaran, MLAs V Senthil Balaji, P Ramalingam and Namakkal Collector Durgamoorthi.
